Elections Canada Says COVID-19 Vaccines Will Not Be Mandatory For Voters & Poll Workers

Federal election poll workers and voters will not be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Elections Canada has confirmed.

In a statement shared with Narcity on August 15, the agency explained that vaccinations will not be a requirement for election staff and poll workers, although they will be required to wear face coverings inside polling stations and constituency offices

"Vaccination will not be a requirement for election workers. We anticipate that most will be vaccinated, given current vaccination rates," a spokesperson said in French on Saturday.

They added, "The majority of staff who would be hired will have been vaccinated in accordance with provincial or territorial vaccine deployment plans." The statement noted that fully vaccinated workers will be prioritized to serve vulnerable populations, such as those living in long-term care facilities.

Elections Canada also told Narcity that voters will not be asked about their vaccination status at the polls.

This comes just days after Trudeau's government announced that all federal workers will be required to get vaccinated — although this isn't set to come into place until the fall.

Although vaccination won't be mandatory, Elections Canada has already explained that public health measures will be in place during voting. This includes physical distancing and face coverings, among other things.