Winnipeg woman votes in federal election, then gives birth to triplets

Thought voting in Monday's federal election was hard? Consider the case of Gillian Taronno, a Winnipeg woman who cast her ballot just before she gave birth to triplets.

A CBC News crew spotted a pregnant Taronno waiting in line ata polling station in Harrow United Church, in the Winnipeg South Centre riding, shortly after she arrivedat 8:15 a.m.

• Voters pack election polls in Manitoba

"We're having identical triplet girls today. At nine o'clock we're going for our surgery," she said. "On voting day!"

About 12 to 20 people were ahead ofTaronno and her partner, but the couple was allowed to cut in line so they could makeher caesarean sectionappointment.

Pregnant vote

9 years ago

Duration 1:02

A woman pregnant with triplets and set for a C-section was allowed to cut in line at a busy Winnipeg polling station.

She said she had missed the advance polling dates, so election day a.k.a. her triplets' birthday was her last chance to cast a ballot.

"It's just always important to vote," she said.

Taronno later announced on Facebook that her daughters Martha, Sadie and Eleanor were born "healthy and strong" just after 1 p.m.Monday at Health Sciences Centre.

"To field a couple of frequently asked questions: yup, they are identical; yes, they were completely spontaneous; andno, multiples don't run in either of our families. So that first ultrasound back in July was surprising," she wrote in her Facebook post.

"But now that the shock has worn off and they are here safe and sound, the feeling is pure joy. The support from our friends and family through it all has been incredible. The staff here at HSC has been and continues to be superb. Now let the fun begin."