Would-be voters in Iqaluit are contending with long lineups and a windchill that feels like -11, but many residents say today is the first time they've ever seen lineups at a federal election polling station.

Many voters in Nunavut say today is the first time they’ve ever seen a lineup at a federal election polling station in the territory. (Nick Murray/CBC)

There have been lineups at Iqaluit's only polling station throughout the day, with wait times as long as an hour at its peak. People were lining up outside, in sub-zero windchills, before the polls even opened this morning. Elections Canada officials eventually split the line in half alphabetically to speed up the process.

"It's a long line," said Veronica Dewar, who waited in line to cast her ballot.

"Usually we can just walk in and it's practically empty. This is nice to see, even though it's kind of cold. We'll wait it out."

Former N.W.T. MLA Rebecca Mike also braved the cold to vote. She waited upwards of 35 minutes to cast her ballot and she predicts a high voter turnout.

"It's refreshing to see people interested in change and voting," Mike said. "Overall in Nunavut, and all over Canada, I think there will be a big turnout."

By noon, Elections Canada had estimated more than 500 had already voted at Iqaluit's polling station.

In 2011, voter turnout in Nunavut was just 48.4 per cent of all registered voters, the lowest of any province or territory. In Iqaluit, turnout was 48.15 per cent.

The territory saw 1,109 voters take part in advanced polling this year, more than triple the amount in 2011.

Conservative candidate Leona Aglukkaq stood in line to cast her ballot in Iqaluit Monday. (Nick Murray/CBC)

Turnout also high for municipal election

Liberal candidate Hunter Tootoo arrives at Iqaluit's polling station to vote Monday morning. (Nick Murray/CBC) ​Iqaluit residents are also voting in a municipal election today , selecting the capital's mayor, councillors and school board authorities.

At the municipal election polling station this afternoon, officials said turnout already seemed higher than at any election or plebiscite in at least the last 10 years.