General FAQs
Find answers to your voting questions and learn how to participate in elections.
To vote in a federal election, you must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen
- Be at least 18 years old on election day
- Provide acceptable identification that shows your identity and address
You can register or update your information:
Online: Use the Online Voter Registration Service
By Mail: Contact Elections Canada to request a registration form
In Person: At your local Elections Canada office before election day or at your polling station when you go to vote
1. Show one piece of government-issued ID with your photo, name, and address (e.g., driver's license).
2. Show two pieces of ID; both must have your name, and at least one must have your address (e.g., utility bill and health card).
3. If you don't have ID, you can declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and is assigned to your polling station vouch for you.
Your polling station location is indicated on your voter information card, which you should receive by mail after registering. You can also find your polling station by visiting the Voter Information Service on Elections Canada's website.
If you require assistance, please reach out to our support team. We offer resources for voters with disabilities and other needs.
Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Yes, Elections Canada provides various services to ensure accessibility, including:
- Polling stations with level access.
- Assistive voting tools
- Sign language interpretation upon
Visit our accessibility page for more information.
If you'll be away on election day, you can:
Vote at advance polls
- Vote by mail using a special ballot; apply for this service before the deadline
- Vote at any Elections Canada office across the country before the deadline
New Voter FAQs
Find answers to common questions about voting for first-time voters.
To vote in a federal election, you must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen
- Be at least 18 years old on election day
- Provide acceptable identification that shows your identity and address
You can register online, by phone, or in person. You can also register at your polling station on election day.
A polling station is where you go to cast your vote. It is assigned based on your home address. Check our website to find your designated location.
No problem! You don’t need it to vote. You can still vote with proper ID. Visit Elections Canada’s website to find your polling station.
Yes, early voting is available in many regions. Check the dates and locations for early voting in your area. This option allows you to avoid long lines on election day.
If you need assistance, poll workers are available to help you on election day. You can also reach out to local support organizations. Don't hesitate to ask for help!
If you require assistance, please reach out to our support team. We offer resources for voters with disabilities and other needs.
Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Poll Worker FAQs
Find answers to common questions about becoming a poll worker in Canada.
A poll worker assists in the election process by helping voters and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the voting experience. Without them, the election process would face significant challenges.
To work at a polling station, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be available on election day (and possibly for training in advance)
- Live in the riding where you want to work
No experience is required! All poll workers receive paid training to help you feel prepared and confident in your role.
Yes. All poll workers are paid for:
- Training time
- Work on election day (and advance polls, if applicable)
Payment amounts vary depending on your position.
Yes! All poll workers receive mandatory, paid training before election day. You’ll learn your duties, rules, and how to serve voters with professionalism and neutrality.
You’ll work at a polling station in your local riding — often a school, community hall, or other public space.
Candidate FAQs
Here are some common questions about becoming a candidate in Canada.
You must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be at least 18 years old on election day
- Not be disqualified under the Canada Elections Act (e.g., certain public officials, prisoners, or those convicted of election-related offences)
No. You can run as:
- A candidate for a registered political party
- An independent candidate
- Or choose not to affiliate with any party at all
No. As of 2017, the $1,000 deposit has been removed, making it more accessible to run in a federal election.
To be officially nominated, you must:
- Collect at least 100 signatures from voters in your riding
- In some remote or less populated ridings, only 50 signatures are required
- Submit a nomination paper (EC 20010 form) before the deadline
You can file:
- A paper copy with your local returning officer
- Or complete the online nomination process through Elections Canada's Political Entities Service Centre (PESC) portal
Yes. Elections Canada provides:
- A full candidate guide
- Training for financial reporting
- Access to the PESC portal
- Support for equity-seeking and first-time candidates
Accessibility & Inclusion FAQs
Find answers to common questions about accessibility and inclusion for elections in Canada.
Polling stations may offer large-print and Braille lists of candidates, magnifiers, tactile voting templates, and assistance from election workers. You can also bring someone to help you vote if needed.
Yes. You can vote by mail or at an Elections Canada office before election day. These options are available to anyone who faces barriers to voting in person.
You can check the accessibility features of your assigned polling station using the Voter Information Service on Elections Canada’s website or by contacting your local Elections Canada office.
Yes. You are allowed to bring a support person or service animal with you to vote.
You can provide feedback to Elections Canada through their accessibility feedback form, email, or by calling 1-800-463-6868.
Still have questions?
The friendly people at Elections Canada would be happy to answer any questions you have!