The Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the more than 230,000 Canadians who contributed to the successful delivery of the 42nd general election.
Once again, Canadians were willing to take time from their busy lives, making personal and professional sacrifices to work long hours to ensure their fellow citizens could exercise their democratic right to vote and receive the election results without delay following the close of the polls.
I am overwhelmed by the exceptional professionalism and dedication our election workers have demonstrated in serving Canadian electors, often in very challenging circumstances.
Some three million more Canadians voted in this federal general election than in the 2011 election, resulting in the highest voter turnout in more than 20 years. There was a remarkable level of voter activity throughout the election, which in some instances resulted in wait times at both the advance polls and on election day.
Our election workers provided the best service possible to their friends and neighbours in communities across our great land — for that is the true strength of our electoral process: Canadians working hard to make it possible for their fellow Canadians to choose the elected officials who will represent them in the House of Commons.
There will be time in the coming weeks and months to review our electoral procedures and consider ways they could be modernized for future elections. For now, our dedicated election workers should take great pride in their accomplishments and important contributions to our society. I know that all Canadians join me in thanking them for their excellent work in the service of democracy.
Marc Mayrand, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada
