How to Vote

by Apathy is Boring — September 7, 2008

First off, don't feel dumb. A lot of people don't know how to vote. Probably a majority of 18-35 year olds don't and why should they? No one ever tells us how. So don't sweat it, just read this or download your own copy (PDF).

1. When is Voting Day?

October 14th 2008

2. Can I vote?

You can vote if:

•     You are a Canadian citizen
•     You are at least 18 years old on election day
•     You can establish proof of identity and address

3.  Where do I vote?

•     Your local polling station
•     Advance polls - opportunity to vote prior to Election Day (avoid long line ups!)
•     Special ballot - an alternative method of voting by mail or at the office of the returning officer.

4. Cool, but where's my polling station?

Your polling station is a local school, community hall, or church, etc., that the local elections committee has taken over for the day.

•   Local newspapers will advertise the location in your electoral district
• Use the Elections Canada Voter Information Service here.
•   You might also get a Voter Information Card in the mail from Elections Canada which will tell you where to go vote.

5.  What do I need to bring?

You need to bring ID. Here are your options of what to bring. This is really important.
YOU CAN'T VOTE IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ID YOU NEED!

Option 1
Provide one original piece of identification issued by a government or government agency containing your photo, name and address.

Option 2
Provide two original pieces of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (see list). Both pieces must contain your name, and one must also contain your address.

Option 3
You can be vouched for by an elector whose name appears on the list of electors in the same polling division and who has an acceptable piece or pieces of identification. Both will be required to make a sworn statement. An elector cannot vouch for more than one person, and the person who has been vouched for cannot vouch for another elector.

6. How much time do I have?

At the polls - You can vote from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Advance polling - In your area, from 12 p.m. (noon) to 8:00 p.m.

7. How do I cast my ballot?

Once you mark the box beside the candidate you are voting for, fold the ballot and drop it into ballot box.

8. Do I have to register?

If you didn't get a Voter Identification Card in the mail about four weeks before the Election date, you probably aren't registered. Contact Elections Canada.  Registering will make sure that you are on the voting list once you get to the polling station, which makes it easier to vote.

9. What is my residence?

Your residence is the place or the lodging you most frequently return to sleep and eat.

For students, your place of ordinary residence may be the place where you are living while you are attending school.
 
If you decide that your place of ordinary residence is your address while not attending school (like your family's address), you can register and vote by special ballot in that electoral district.

If you are homeless, read "Can I vote if I'm homeless". (Hint: you can!)

Something to keep in mind. Keep your address current.

I move a lot. Most people my age move a lot: schools, jobs, no jobs, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. These things demand that we travel from place to place. It is important that you keep your address current on your driver's license, health card and with the Canada Revenue Agency. You could also miss out on that big fat return the government owes you!

10. What if I'm away from my district (Vote?! But I'm on vacation!)

If you are eligible to vote in a federal electoral event, you can do it from virtually anywhere in or outside Canada. But you have got to be on the ball! Allow enough time for Elections Canada to send a special ballot to you, and for you to return it before the deadline.

To get a special ballot go to www.elections.ca

Did you know that even if you've lived outside of Canada for up to 5 consecutive years (verify voting criteria for exceptions), you can still vote as a Canadian citizen abroad? Cool.
The registration form must reach Elections Canada in Ottawa by 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before polling day. The earlier you send it, the better.

For More Info:

Elections Canada Online

By Mail

Elections Canada
257 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M6

Phone 1 800 463-6868
 

How to Vote for Students

It’s your choice. For the general election you may vote either:

1. WHERE YOUR FAMILY LIVES or
2. WHERE YOU GO TO SCHOOL

Bring ID (list of eligible ID above). There’s more information at 1 800 463-6868 or www.elections.ca, including how to find your electoral district. Remember, to be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 by voting day.