With advance polls now open, these N.L. voters share why they're casting their ballot
Voters have until Monday to cast an early ballot at their assigned polling station
While Good Friday meant a feed of fish and chips for some Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, for others it was their first opportunity to cast a ballot in this year's federal election.
Carl Aylward was among the first voters at his polling station on Friday morning. He says there's a lot of issues in the country that compelled him to get out and have his voice heard.
"Our healthcare seems like it's going downhill, the inflation and the cost of living is going up every day," he said. "So, this is why I decided to come out early and have the vote."
The U.S. president also weighed heavily on Aylward's mind.
"The way that Trump is getting on, carrying on with his foolishness and all this garbage about 'Canada come join the 51st state' and all this, that's why I wanted to get out, we're not for sale," said Aylward.
Other early voters also said tensions with the U.S. are influencing their choices in this election.
"The relationship with the United States at the moment is just pretty terrifying," said Don Beaubier. "The whole concept of Canada is kind of in question at this moment."
"It's hard to trust America now," said Elias Bartellas, another early voter.
He also had a message for whoever becomes the next Prime Minister.
"Good luck," Bartellas said. "It's gonna be a tough job."
Meanwhile, Karen Linfield is Elections Canada's returning officer for the St. John's East riding. She said turnout so far has been great, with multiple people voting for the first time in their lives.
"I had one gentleman come in with his mother, she was 96, and he told me it was his first time voting and she was very adamant that she vote," Linfield said. "We had a person come in on her 18th birthday and vote... I had a gentleman who was a retired military. He said 'I defended my country all my life, this is the first time that I am voting.'"
WATCH | The CBC's Peter Cowan reports from Ches's Fish and Chips:
Linfield says there's a different energy to voters this year.
"It's gotten to the point where you can just see the intent in people's faces. We don't know who they vote for. That's their decision. But what we know is that they are not going to miss their opportunity to vote this time."
Registered voters have until Monday to cast an early ballot at their assigned polling station between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
You can also vote by mail or in person by special ballot at your nearest Elections Canada office until 6 p.m. on April 22.
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With files from Peter Cowan