Time to make your voices heard!
The Canadian federal election is set for Monday, April 28, and a record-breaking number of voters have already casted their votes in advance polls.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or just need a refresher, here’s everything you need to know about voting in Ontario:
Who Can Vote?
To vote in the federal election, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be at least 18 years old on election day
- Prove your identity and address
If you’re not sure if you’re registered, or if your information is outdated, you can check or update it here at Elections Canada.
Where and How to Vote
Advance voting has now ended, so the only remaining way to vote is at your assigned polling station on April 28. In Ontario, polls open on April 28 at 9:30 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. ET., and everyone who is eligible to vote must be allowed three consecutive hours to cast their vote on election day from their employer.
To find your assigned polling station, you can:
- Check your voter information card
- Enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box
- Call Elections Canada to find out at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY)
When you get your ballot, you simply mark it with an X or check mark beside your preferred candidate. If you make a mistake, you can exchange your ballot for another one.
What to Bring
You must prove your identity and address. You can:
- Option 1: Show 1 government-issued ID with your name, photo, and address (like a driver’s license)
- Option 2: Show 2 pieces of ID, both with your name and at least one with your address (like your voter information card and a bank statement or bill)
- Option 3: If you don’t have ID, you can still vote if you:
- Declare your identity and address in writing AND
- Have someone vouch for you (they must be a registered voter in your polling division)
Check Elections Canada’s website here to see their full list of accepted ID.
You do not need to bring your Voter Information Card in order to vote, but it will make the process faster.
If you’re unsure about anything else, visit the Elections Canada’s website ahead of election day.