(Elections Canada)

By Ian Gustafson

Federal election

Here’s how Canadians can vote ahead of and on election day

Apr 1, 2025 | 2:51 PM

The 45th federal election is just around the corner in Canada and those hoping to vote will need to cross a few things off the list.

Canadians who are at least 18-years-old are eligible to vote on election day on April 28 but they’ll have to register.

Elections Canada offices will be open in 343 ridings in Canada where residents can visit to register to vote or to vote early by special ballot.

To check if you’re registered or to register to vote, residents can use the online voter registration service on the elections Canada website. They can also call 1-800-463-6868 or contact their local Elections Canada office. They can also register in person at their assigned polling place when they go to vote.

“We encourage electors to use our online voter registration service. By registering, checking or updating their information early, electors will be sure to get a voter information card. The card gives electors all the information they need to plan their voting experience,” said Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault in a media release.

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To be eligible to vote, citizens will also need to prove their identity and address by showing ID.

How to vote

Canadians will be able to vote in various ways including in-person on election day at their assigned polling station.

They can vote on advanced polling days which are set for Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21 at their assigned polling station.

Residents can also vote by mail, where they will need to apply to do so by April 22 and must return their special ballot by mail or in person at the elections office before polls close on election day. Those who choose to go that route should ensure they give themselves enough time to apply, receive their voting kit, and mail their completed ballot.

Other ways to vote includes at a Vote on Campus office or at their long-term care facility. For a full list of options, visit elections.ca.

To find out where to vote in person, rather than waiting for your information card, you can go on elections.ca and enter your postal code to see location of their riding or assigned polling stations.

Voting rules for those living outside of Canada

Canadian citizens who live outside of the country are eligible ot vote of they are at least 18-years-old and have previously lived in Canada.

To vote they’ll have to register on the international register of electors, who will then send them a special ballot voting kit.

Those who are not already registered can download an application form from the Elections Canada website. The completed form can be sent back to Elections Canada by mail or fax. In the registering process, the individual will have to provide documents that prove they’re a citizen.

The applications must be received by April 22 at 6 p.m. eastern time. However, the ballots must arrive at Elections Canada in Ottawa by Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. eastern.