A spokesperson for Elections Canada has confirmed that workers at advance polling stations across the country, were the victims of abuse.

Advance voting took place Friday through Monday for the federal election. Marie-France Kenny is the Regional Media Advisor for Elections Canada for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She notes there was both verbal and physical abuse.

"Because of lineups, because of people not wanting to wear masks," says Kenny, suggesting what might have provoked the abuse. "People angry for whatever reason."

Kenny says at Elections Canada, they understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of grief for everyone, noting this has not been easy.

"But it's also not easy for the poll workers who are there to make sure they provide you with a safe environment to vote," adds Kenny.

And, just because this province is known as 'Friendly Manitoba,' that does not mean we were immune to such behaviour. According to Kenny, the abuse was felt in Manitoba as well.

"Across the country in certain electoral districts there have been more people who are disgruntled and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of electors and employees," says Kenny.

She notes returning officers had the option to hire security if needed. Kenny says there was security for polling stations at some locations in Manitoba.

With Canadians heading to the polls on Monday for election day, Elections Canada is anticipating the abuse that happened during the advance polls might just have been a tease for what is to come.

"So we're asking people to be patient and to remember that the people working at the poll are people from your riding, so they are your neighbours, your friends, your family who have agreed to come and provide you with a safe environment to vote," notes Kenny. "So we ask people to be patient and to be respectful while they wait to vote and to cast their ballot."

Kenny reminds voters that they should anticipate lineups on election day. This is due in part to the fact Elections Canada will be practicing physical distancing and asking voters to disinfect their hands. She notes heavily used surfaces such as voting booths will also be disinfected.

"We're taking a little bit more time to ensure safety of electors and poll workers," she says. "So we just want people to be mindful that the people who are there are just making sure you vote in a safe environment and are not there to slow down the process."

Kenny says any Canadian who does not agree to wear a mask and fails to provide a medical reason, will not be allowed in to vote. And, if need be, they will call police.