Canada election 2025: Where to vote, what to bring, when polls close & what happens next

Where do I vote today?

You can find the location of your assigned polling station on your voter information card.

If you've misplaced your card or never received one, you can use Elections Canada's Voter Information Service to find your polling station by entering your postal code and address, or call them directly at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

Can I vote at any polling station?

No, you can't vote at just any polling station today. Unlike some provincial elections where you might have had more flexibility, for federal elections, on election day, you must vote at the polling station assigned to you based on your address.

Even if another station in your riding is more convenient, you have to go to your specific one.

Who's running in my riding?

If you want to see the full list of candidates running in your riding, you can use Elections Canada's Voter Information Service. Just pop in your postal code and it'll show you who's on the ballot where you live.

Still trying to figure out which party best matches your priorities? Narcity's 2025 federal election hub breaks down what each party stands for so you can feel confident casting your vote.

What do I need to bring to vote?

To vote, you need to prove your identity and address. You've got a few options:

1. Show one piece of government-issued ID with your name, photo and current address.
2. Show two pieces of ID, both with your name and at least one with your address (like a voter card and a utility bill).
3. If you don't have ID, you can still vote by declaring your identity and address in writing. Someone who knows you will have to vouch for you in person. They must also be assigned to your polling station (like a family member or neighbour) and prove their own identity and address.

You can find the full list of ID accepted by Elections Canada here.

Elections Canada accepts printed e-documents as ID too, so you can show an online bill on your phone if needed. Just make sure your documents are originals or proper printouts — no handwritten notes or photos/copies of physical ID.

Unhoused voters and those without a fixed address are eligible to cast a ballot as long as they can prove their identity and address. This can include getting a Letter of Confirmation of Residence from a shelter, soup kitchen or community organization, or having someone vouch for them as in Option 3 above.

When are the polls open?

Voting hours across Canada are staggered so that most results come out around the same time across the country. Here's when you can hit the Elections Canada polls, depending which province or territory you live in:

• Newfoundland and Labrador: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. NDT (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ADT)
• New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & P.E.I.: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ADT
• Quebec & Ontario: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EDT (8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CDT)
  • except Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine–Listuguj: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT / 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ADT
• Manitoba: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CDT (7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST)
• Saskatchewan, Alberta & Northwest Territories: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. MDT/CST
• B.C. & Yukon: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PDT/MST (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT)
• Nunavut: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EDT / 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CDT / 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. MDT

Some electoral districts stretch across more than one time zone, but don't worry — Elections Canada sets a single local voting time for the whole district. Your voter information card will show your correct hours, or you can double-check using the Voter Information Service.

When is the best time to vote?

According to Elections Canada, the early morning and late afternoon are usually the busiest times to vote. If you want to skip the crowds, your best bet is to head over sometime between noon and 4 p.m.

Don't forget that all voters that are still in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote, regardless of the length of the line.

Does my employer need to give me time off to vote?

Yes and no. Under the Canada Elections Act, if your work hours don't already give you three consecutive hours off to vote while the polls are open, your employer has to give you time off — and they can't dock your pay.

For example, if polls in your area are open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and you work from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., your boss needs to make sure you get enough time off to vote. They can let you start late, leave early or take a chunk of time in the middle of your shift — but they get to decide when you take it.

However, if your work schedule already gives you a three-hour window when you're off duty — like if you live in that same riding but work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — then your employer doesn't have to give you any extra time off.

When will the election results come out?

Ballot counting starts as soon as polls close in each riding. Early results will trickle in through the night on Elections Canada's website.

Some ballots — especially special ones mailed in from outside ridings — might take a bit longer to count. Elections Canada notes that final results are validated and officially posted a few days later, but tonight you should get a pretty clear idea of who's leading in most areas.

Who should I vote for?

If you're still undecided, don't stress! Narcity's 2025 federal election hub breaks down party platforms and where each leader stands on major issues. A little last-minute reading could help you make your choice with confidence.