Snowstorm forced closure, relocation of dozens of Manitoba advance election polls

The snowstorm that hit Manitoba this week not only caused damage to homes, vehicles, and power linesand closed highways it's also forced a handful of federal election advance polling stations in Winnipeg to relocate,and closed manyothers around the province.

Advance polling stationsat the Sergeant Tommy Prince Community Centre and the Norquay Community Centre moved to 413 McPhillipsSt., an Elections Canada spokesperson told CBC News Saturday. By Sunday, the original polling locations were back up and running.

And the St. Vital/St. Bonifacepolling station at Club Eclipse '79on de la Cathedrale Avenuewas moved to the Notre Dame Community Centre at 271 de la Cathedrale.

The Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingleypolling station at Woodhaven Park Community Centre wasclosed Saturday afternoon and was unreachable on Sunday, according to Elections Canada.

Evacuated people can still vote

Meanwhile, several advance polls in the ridings of Brandon-Souris, Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, Portage-Lisgar and Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman wereclosed Sunday, according toElections Canada's website.

"The chief electoral officer has authorized the close or delayed opening of certain polling places in Manitoba due to winter conditions and power outages. Before heading to a polling place, make sure it is safe to do so," the website says.

Marie-France Kenny, a regional media advisor for Elections Canada says people planning to vote in advance polls Sunday or Mondayshould check the Elections Canada website to find their pollingstation, then call that office to make sure it's open.

Kenny said evacuees can still vote in advance polls by special ballot before Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.by calling 1-866-294-6760 or visit the website to find which office is closest.

"We still want people to be heard and voice their opinions in this election," she said.

Advance voting ahead of the Oct. 21 federal election began on Friday. Advance polls are openfrom 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day from now until Oct. 14at assigned polling stations.