Deciding who to vote for was the hard part for many.   The easy part should have been voting.   

But that wasn't necessarily the case throughout the GTA.

Many were left waiting at polling stations that were inexplicably closed, or quite late to open, and in one riding, voters were led to a church that had actually been torn down two years ago. 

Stations was supposed to open in Ontario at 9:30am but the poll at Summit Heights Public School near Bathurst and Wilson didn't officially get in gear until two hours later. Apparently there was a shortage of both staff and ballot boxes at the scene.

Other problems were also reported at several other locations, including a polling station at Canyon Ave. that still wasn't open as of noon and another at an arena on Finch Ave. West.

Elections Canada will only confirm that two polls opened late - one in York Centre, the other in York West.

"Elections Canada is aware of these two (late opening stations) and is working on it," said spokesperson for EC, Grace Lake.

But opening an hour late seemed quite minor when compared to the gaffe that sent a slew of diligent citizens in the Avenue Rd.and Eglinton area to a giant hole in the ground.  Their voter cards directed them to St. James Bond United Church, which was torn down two years ago.

Meanwhile, CityNews.ca is also receiving other reports of irregularities. One man emailed us to say he hadn't been asked for any identification when he went to cast his vote, despite tightened restrictions. When he asked why, Michael K. Lancaster claims he was told "they were too busy."

Another constituent named Carlo claims one of the officials at his polling place accepted his ballot, opened it to look at who he was voting for, and then deposited it in the box. Under the rules, the ballots are supposed to be completely secret and those at the station are not allowed to view them.  

The writer says he's filed a complaint with Elections Canada over the issue.

Those who showed up at the places that did manage to open on time and work efficiently (like the one pictured top left) made their mark for the candidate of their choice and seem to be glad it's finally about to end one way or another.

"Yes, we are," sighs one woman after being asked if she's happy to 'get it over with.'

Most of the federal leaders also showed up at their polling stations in their home ridings, and it doesn't take much guesswork to tell who they cast their ballots for. All are hoping for victory parties by nightfall. All but one will more than likely be disappointed.

You can track their reaction and see who won in your local riding starting at 9pm with a special edition of CityVote 08 or on the web here at CityNews.ca.