Canadian early voting rises; tight race prompts talk of need for partners

FILE PHOTO: Liberal leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives to speak with voters during an election campaign visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada October 8, 2019. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's federal elections watchdog said on Tuesday more Canadians voted early this year compared with four years ago, while on the campaign trail party leaders increasingly discussed the possibility that no party will win a majority in parliament.

In the four days ending on Monday, voters were allowed to cast an advance ballot. Some 4.7 million people voted, an increase of 29% from 2015, Elections Canada said. Election day is Oct. 21.