Canadians head to polls amid warnings of bogus election e-mail
Last Updated: Monday, January 23, 2006 | 1:54 AM ET
CBC News
Elections Canada said the bogus e-mail bears the agency's logo and the name of Jean-Pierre Kingsley, chief electoral officer, and incorrectly states that people can vote on two days – Monday and Tuesday.
"The only polling day is Monday, Jan. 23," Elections Canada said in a statement posted on its website.
"This message does not come from Elections Canada, and is against the law," the agency added.
The warning was issued as the heads of the major political parties – Liberal Leader Paul Martin, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe – whirled through a packed weekend schedule of events, rallies and appearances.
- FROM JAN. 22, 2006: Martin courts B.C. as campaign winds down
- FROM JAN. 22, 2006: Harper reaches out to Quebec voters
- FROM JAN. 22, 2006: Layton criticizes Tory policies
- FROM JAN. 22, 2006: Duceppe critical of Conservative cabinet offer
Electoral officials said they became aware of the e-mail after someone in a B.C. riding took a copy to the local returning officer.
Elections Canada has asked that anyone with information about the source of the message contact the agency.
| ELECTION NIGHT LIVE RESULTS |
| Check back Jan. 23 starting at 10 p.m. EST for comprehensive national and riding-by-riding results. Why 10 p.m.? |
The agency also said there have been reports that some candidates' materials listed incorrect information about the addresses and voting hours for polling stations.
Electoral officials said voters could check the addresses and hours of polling stations on its website or on voter information cards that were mailed out in recent weeks.
- INDEPTH: Voter toolkit
The election was set for Jan. 23 after Martin's Liberal minority government fell on a no-confidence motion introduced by Harper's Conservatives in November.
There are a total of 1,634 people running in 308 ridings in the general election, which is the country's 39th.
They represent 15 political parties, plus independent candidates and those with no affiliation.
