Voting in the 44th Canadian Federal Elections
Why should I vote?
This is the first federal election where Millennials and Gen Z make up 40% of Canada’s eligible voters and this is the time to get informed! Learning about the candidates in your riding and getting familiar with each party’s platforms can help you cast a vote that you feel reflects your values.
Gen Z and Millennials are less likely to be contacted by candidates during campaigning. This oversight often means that we are less likely to participate or be involved in an election, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
There is collective awareness around issues many of us have addressed for a long time. As students, we must use our collective voice to ensure our concerns are HEARD by our federal candidates.
Voter Eligibility
Voters who are eligible will need to:
- Be 18 years or older on the day of the election
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Provide acceptable proof of identity and address
If you’re not sure you’re registered to vote, you can check the Elections Canada website.
How to register:
- Register online through Election Canada’s Online Voter Registration Service by September 14th at 6pm.
- Register in-person at any Elections Canada office by September 14th at 6pm.
- Register at your assigned polling station on the day you vote. Please see the Elections Canada website for the full list of IDs accepted to register and vote.
Ways to Vote
Mail-In Voting
- All registered voters can also vote by mail, you just need to register by September 14th.
- Mail-in ballots must be received by Elections Canada by September 20th
You must apply online or with an Elections Canada office to mail-in vote, and Elections Canada will send you a voting kit, where you’ll then mail the completed ballot back to Elections Canada. Please carefully check the Elections Canada website for what you need to do to vote by mail to ensure your vote is counted.
Advance Polls
For this election, advance polls are from September 10 - 13. To find your advance polling station, check your voter information card (which you’ll receive in the mail if you register to vote), or use Elections Canada’s Voter Information Service tool.
Voter’s Checklist
Identification
- You’ll need proof of identity and address.
- This can be through a government-issued ID with your name, address and photo OR an ID with your name and a different ID with your name and address.
Your Informed Opinion
- Which candidate will take a stand for the issues that matter to you? Knowing what each candidate stands for can help you decide who to vote for.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a student. How does this work?
You can choose to vote in your home riding or your school riding. Whatever you choose, you must have a valid ID with that address to register and vote. There are no voting booths on campus this election due to the pandemic, so if you plan to vote in your home riding and can’t get home, consider a mail-in ballot or voting at an Elections Canada office!
I’m a Canadian living abroad, how can I vote?
Please visit the Elections Canada website for more information on how to submit an application to vote from abroad or when to mail in your ballot.
I work on election day; how can I vote?
You can vote at an advance polling station prior to election day or by mail. However, by law, your employer MUST allow you 3 consecutive hours during voting hours on election day to vote (but they do have the right to decide when this time-off is on election day).