Voting Methods

In order to participate in voting, it is necessary to fulfill certain requirements. These include being a Canadian citizen, reaching a minimum age of 18 years on election day, and providing proof of identity and address.

Once an election is announced, there are multiple voting options available:

Information regarding the date, hours, and location of your designated polling station on election day can be accessed online, through your voter information card, or by contacting Elections Canada.

To cast your vote on election day:

- Prior registration to vote is mandatory.

- Proof of identity and address is essential.

Additionally, registration can be completed at a local Elections Canada office or at the polling station on the day of voting.

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Vote at your advance poll: Advance polls are conducted four days before the election day, starting from the 7th day.

Information about the date, hours, and address of your advance poll can be obtained online, through your voter information card, or by contacting Elections Canada.

To vote at your advance poll:

Registration can also be done at your local Elections Canada office or at the polling station when you arrive to cast your vote.

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Vote by mail:

a) Vote by mail – for electors residing in Canada:

Residents of Canada must wait until an election is officially declared to apply for voting by mail.

After the election is announced:

- Completion of an Application for Registration and Special Ballot is required. The form is available on the official website, at any local Elections Canada office, or by contacting Elections Canada.

- Submission of the completed form, along with proof of identity and home address, can be done via fax, mail, or in person at any local Elections Canada office.

- Once the application is accepted, a special ballot voting kit will be sent via regular mail. If the application is submitted in person, the staff will provide the kit. The kit includes instructions on marking the special ballot and returning it via mail.

Voting by mail refers to casting a special ballot.

b) Vote by mail – for electors residing outside Canada:

If you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada and meet specific eligibility criteria, you can apply in advance to vote by mail in future elections.

To apply, please refer to the designated website to access the relevant information and forms.

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Attention: Canadians Residing Abroad

Obtain an application form by reaching out to Elections Canada. Kindly request an Application for Registration and Special Ballot specifically created for Canadian Citizens living outside Canada.

• If your application is deemed acceptable, we will include your name in the International Register of Electors. It comprises Canadians temporarily residing abroad who maintain eligibility to vote in federal elections.
• Upon announcing an election, all individuals enlisted in the International Register of Electors will receive a special ballot voting kit via mail. The kit will provide comprehensive instructions regarding marking the special ballot and submitting it via mail.

Voting via mail denotes casting a vote using the special ballot method. Access additional information about voting regulations for Canadians living abroad.

Pivotal details regarding special ballot voting

Adopting the special ballot method necessitates either casting a vote via mail or visiting a local Elections Canada office.

• Special ballots are available to all individuals who apply for one in advance.
• In order for your application to be considered, Elections Canada must receive it prior to the special ballot registration deadline: 6 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding election day.
• Once your application is accepted, you will receive a special ballot voting kit. This package comprises:
  • a special ballot
  • two envelopes (to maintain the confidentiality of your vote)
  • instructions on how to properly mark and submit your special ballot via mail
• Your completed special ballot must reach Elections Canada by the deadline on election day, as failure to do so will render it ineligible for counting.
• Once your application for special ballot voting is approved, this will serve as the sole method for you to cast your vote. Voting at the advance polls, on election day, or applying for another special ballot will not be possible.
• It is important to note that you are only permitted to vote once during an election, and you may only vote for a candidate running in your specific riding.

Gather further insights on voting via special ballot.

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Cast Your Vote at Any Elections Canada Office

Upon the announcement of an election, Elections Canada establishes local offices in every single riding across Canada.

You are granted the opportunity to vote in person at any Elections Canada office throughout the country up until the sixth day prior to election day.

To exercise your voting rights at an Elections Canada office, you must complete an Application for Registration and Special Ballot. If required, staff members are available to assist you with this form. Valid proof of your identity and address is mandatory.

Once your special ballot application is accepted, the staff will provide you with a special ballot voting kit. You have the option of casting your vote instantaneously or returning to the office at a later time to submit your vote.

Following the announcement of an election, the addresses of Elections Canada offices will be accessible online or via contacting Elections Canada.

Voting at an Elections Canada office equates to participating via special ballot.

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