The Canadian Federal Election Is Almost Here & These Are All The Ways You Can Vote

There are four different methods. 🗳️

Senior Writer

The Canadian federal election is quickly approaching, and if you're wondering how to vote, there are a few ways you can do it.

According to Elections Canada, there are four methods you can use to vote for Canada's next prime minister, either on election day itself or in the days leading up to September 20.

"Your health and safety is our priority—measures are in place to keep you safe, no matter how you choose to vote," reads the Elections Canada website. "Plan early. During a pandemic, things can take a bit more time. Make a plan and choose the voting option that works best for you. You can vote almost any time."

Voting On Election Day

To vote in person on September 20, you'll need to bring your voter information card to your assigned polling station in your riding. You should have received the card in the mail by September 10 if you're registered to vote in Canada.

You'll also need to bring a piece of identification that proves your identity and address. The polls will be open for 12 hours, with hours differing depending on what time zone you live in.

Advanced Voting

To vote before September 20, you can vote at your assigned advance polling station from Friday, September 10 to Monday, September 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Voting By Mail

If you want to vote by mail, you'll have to apply by Tuesday, September 14, either online or at an Elections Canada Office and vote using a special ballot process.

But if you choose this method, just make sure it's definitely how you want to vote. Once you've decided, you can't vote at advance polls or on election day.

Voting At An Elections Canada Office

You can also vote by special ballot at one of the 500 Elections Canada offices before Tuesday, September 14. They are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

  • Senior Writer

    Sarah Rohoman (she/her) was a Senior Writer with Narcity Media. She has worked at BuzzFeed Canada, Yahoo Canada, and CBC Radio in news, lifestyle, ecommerce, and social media. She has an MA in Journalism from Western University and a BA from McGill. She loves libraries, alpacas, and all things witchy.

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