With the 2023 Nigerian general election just around the corner, it’s important for voters to be prepared and informed. Election day can be long and stressful, but if you plan ahead and get ready, you can make the most of your time voting.
Whether you’ve voted before or this is your first time, these tips will help you get through the process, ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election day for all.
Bring your Permanent Voter Card (PVC): This is the most important item you’ll need to vote. Without it, you won’t be able to cast your ballot. Make sure you have it with you and keep it safe.
Plan your route: If you’re not sure where your polling station is located, find out ahead of time and plan your route. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get there and factor in any traffic or transportation delays.
Bring identification: In addition to your PVC, it’s always a good idea to bring additional identification such as a driver’s license, NIN or passport. This may come in handy if there are any issues with your PVC or if you’re asked to provide additional identification.
Get there early: Voting starts by 8:30am and if you want to leave early enough, you should get there by 7am, or 7:30. Remember the saying, “the early bird gets the worm”.
Be informed: Take the time to learn about the candidates and their platforms before election day. This will help you make an informed decision when you get to the polling station.
Bring a power bank: Voting can take several hours, and your phone battery may run out of power. Bringing a power bank will ensure that your phone stays charged and you can communicate with friends and family during and after voting.
Dress appropriately: It’s important to dress comfortably, especially if you’re going to be standing in long queues. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and consider bringing a hat or face cap to protect you from the sun.
Grab all you need for your comfort: This should include a bottle of water, an umbrella, a handfan or an electric mini fan, a foldable chair, and of course, electronics like your headphones/earpiece and a power bank .
Bring water and snacks: Voting can be a long process, and you may get hungry or thirsty. Bring enough water and snacks to keep you energised and hydrated throughout the day.
Be patient and calm: Elections can be stressful, and tempers may flare. It’s important to remain calm and patient, even if the process takes longer than expected. Remember, your vote counts!
Respect others: Remember to be respectful to others, including polling officials and fellow voters. Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the polling station and avoid engaging in any form of violence or harassment.
It’s your right to keep your voting choice confidential: It’s important to keep your vote private and not share it with anyone, including family and friends. Your vote is your choice, and you have the right to keep it confidential. This also ties into avoiding branded clothes, a face cap, or anything that shows who you’re supporting.
Report any irregularities: If you notice any irregularities or issues during the voting process, report them to the appropriate authorities. This may include things like voter intimidation, ballot box stuffing, or other forms of electoral fraud.
Follow COVID-19 guidelines: Make sure to follow all COVID-19 guidelines provided by the polling station, including wearing a face mask, using hand sanitizers, and maintaining social distance.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-street-during-the-holidays.jpg?id=55410843&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C228%2C0%2C229"/><br/><br/><p>The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes all the early closures and holiday hours that could derail your plans in Montreal. </p><p>Whether you're figuring out New Year's Eve hours for last-minute errands, wondering what's open on New Year's Day in Montreal for a supply run, or just looking for <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/things-to-do/" target="_blank">things to do in Montreal</a> over the holidays, planning ahead is key.</p><p>New Year's Day — January 1, 2025 — lands on a Wednesday this year, and it's a federal and statutory holiday across Canada, meaning most places in Montreal will be closed for the day. But don't stress! A handful of grocery stores, shops and attractions will still be open to help you out, and we dug around to find all of them so you don't have to.</p><p>Meanwhile, New Year's Eve isn't an official holiday, but lots of spots around Montreal are shutting their doors early. We've rounded up all the details on shortened hours to make sure you're not left scrambling while stocking up for your get-together.</p><p>From grocery and liquor stores to malls, public transit, government services and attractions, here's everything you need to know about what's open and closed — or closing early — in Montreal on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, including info on the SAQ, Maxi, IGA, the STM, Services Québec and more.</p><h3>Grocery stores</h3><br/><p><strong>December 31 (New Year's Eve):</strong></p><ul><li>Costco: All locations across Greater Montreal will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.</li><li>Provigo & Maxi: Most Provigo locations will close early at 5 p.m. Maxi's holiday hours are not posted on its website, but they are likely to be similar to its sister company's hours.</li><li>Metro & Super C: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the <a href="https://www.metro.ca/en/find-a-grocery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Metro</a> and <a href="https://www.superc.ca/en/find-a-grocery/holiday-hours" target="_blank">Super C</a> websites for your local store's hours.</li><li>IGA: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the <a href="https://www.iga.net/en/find_a_store" target="_blank">IGA website</a> for your local store's hours.</li><li>Walmart: All locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.</li><li>Public markets: Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m.</li></ul><p><strong>January 1 (New Year's Day): </strong>Most major grocery chains will be closed on New Year's Day. However, here are a few places you can go if you need something on the holiday:</p><ul><li>Provigo at 1275, av. des Canadiens de Montréal will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.</li><li>Pharmacies: Many pharmacies, especially larger chains like Pharmaprix and Jean Coutu, will be open with reduced hours on New Year's Day. Holiday hours are often not posted on the website, so it's a good idea to call your local store before heading out.</li><li>Depanneurs: Many depanneurs and corner stores in Montreal stay open on New Year's Day for last-minute essentials. You may want to call your local store to confirm their hours.</li><li>Aisle 24: All <a href="https://aisle24.ca/location/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">locations</a> of this cashierless grocery chain are open 24/7, all year round. You'll just need to download the app and create a profile in order to unlock the door.</li></ul><h3>Liquor stores</h3><br/><p>Most SAQ locations will close early at 5 p.m. on December 31 and reopen at 1 p.m. on January 2. While the SAQ isn't open on New Year's Day, many depanneurs will be open, selling beer and wine.</p><h3>Shopping malls</h3><br/><p>Most major shopping centres in Greater Montreal — including Galeries d'Anjou, Place Versailles and more — will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 31 and closed on January 1.</p><h3>Services</h3><br/><p>
<strong>STM: </strong> On the night of December 31 to January 1, the STM will extend its hours of operation on lines 1 (Green), 2 (Orange) and 4 (Yellow), with service running until at least 2:30 a.m. on all three lines. Last-train times will vary by station, and you can find them all on the <a href="https://www.stm.info/en/offers-and-outings/events/december-31-stay-later" target="_blank">STM's website here</a>. Line 5 (Blue) will run on its usual weekday schedule.</p><p>
<strong>Canada Post:</strong> Canada Post is closed on national, provincial and territorial <a href="https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/sending/general-information/find-out-operating-hours-on-holidays" target="_blank">holidays</a>. That means there is no collection or delivery of mail happening on New Year's Day.</p><p>
<strong>Banks:</strong> All banks are closed on New Year's Day.
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<span></span><strong>Service Canada:</strong> Closed on New Year's Day.
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<strong>Services Québec:</strong> Closed December 31 to January 2, inclusive.</p><h3>Things to do</h3><br/><p><strong>Public markets:</strong> Place Jacques-Cartier Market will be open on December 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and on January 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Mont-Royal Neighbourhood Market will also be open both days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m. on December 31, but closed on January 1 and 2.</p><p><strong>Espace pour la vie museums:</strong> All five properties will be open both days, with some modified hours. The Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium and Planetarium will be open on January 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. The Planetarium will be open on December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other three will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden's outdoor spaces are open every day during the holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.</p><p><strong>Skating rinks:</strong> The Bleu Blanc Bouge rinks at <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/places/bleu-blanc-bouge-rink-cdn-ndg#section-horaire" target="_blank">Parc de la Confédération</a> (CDN-NDG), <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/places/parc-le-carignan-bleu-blanc-bouge-skating-rink#HRS1" target="_blank">Parc Le Carignan</a> and <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/places/parc-willibrord-bleu-blanc-bouge-outdoor-skating-rink#:~:text=Check%20the%20Weekly%20schedule" target="_blank">Parc Willibrord</a> (Verdun) will be open both days with varying schedules. The Old Port skating rink will also be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all throughout the holidays.</p><p><strong>Cinemas:</strong> Most cinemas, especially larger chains like Cineplex, are open all throughout the holidays, including New Year's Day.</p><p><strong>Igloofest NYE:</strong> From 8 p.m. December 31 to 2 a.m. January 1, Igloofest is putting on a <a href="https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/festivals-and-events/igloo-new-year-eve-nye-montreal" target="_blank">free outdoor show</a> at Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port. There will be eight artists performing, and it's the perfect spot to catch the fireworks and ring in 2025 in style!</p><p class="">Happy New Year, Montreal!</p>
