Homeless in Halifax make their vote count

A voting surge at advance polls this week had many people casting their ballots for the first time, including those who are homeless in Halifax.

Chief Grizzly Mamma has been struggling to find a place to live since she moved from B.C. to Halifax six months ago.

She says despite those challenges, she is making a point to vote for the first time ever in the federal election.

"As aboriginal people, we don't believe in government. We don't believe that they do the right thing. They always promise us stuff, but this time our hereditary chief said to get people voting and that's what I have to do," she said.

It's been 20 years since John Cromwell last went to a polling station. He says his mental illness and crack addiction didn't make room for politics.

Now that he's clean and trying to get back on his feet, he decided to head to the advance poll.

"I voted and I'm happy to vote because I guess we all need to vote to see where we're coming from. Right now we're not doing too good," said Cromwell.

"Are we going to be left behind or are we going to be able to relate to the system? What's going to happen to us? That's why I wanted to vote."

Challenges for homeless voters

For the homeless, it's not as simple as just showing up at the closest polling station. Many don't have addresses, on top of other challenges.

Shelly Fairn says she hears all of the stories while standing in line at a local soup kitchen.

"Not being able to get transportation to go vote. Some of them don't have IDs. Why? Because they don't have the money to get them," said Fairn.

In Halifax, a volunteer clinic has helped people on the streets get the right paperwork to cast a ballot.

It's one of many steps being made in this election to get people out voting, who otherwise may not be able to.