Winnipeg voters showed record numbers in polls before the municipal elections to be held on Wednesday.

Advanced polling stations closed on Friday, and the city says 41,895 people voted in the city council and school elections, considered an increase of 5.1% from 39,840 voters who participated in 2018. This is the previous record for advanced voting.

The 2018 elections witnessed the lowest turnout since 2006. Marc Lemoyne, the city's chief elections officer, said in a press release: "In every election, our goal is to simplify the process, reduce waiting times, and improve service for people who cast their votes.” We see the results of that initiative based on the record number of voters who took advantage of the convenient opportunities.

He added: "Of course, we want to encourage all eligible voters who have not yet voted to cast their votes next week."

The city says: Voter notices indicating voting locations have been mailed to all registered voters.

People are encouraged to bring their notice with them when they go to the voting location.

If someone does not have a voter notice, they can visit winnipeg.ca/wheredoivote.

Eligible voters need to bring valid identification showing their name and current home address when they go to the polls,  any two documents showing the voter’s name and current home address will also be accepted.

Editing: Yusra Bamtraf