Canadians will head to the polls on April 28, and there are various options available to them to cast their ballot. The election was called on March 23, and the first step for anyone planning to vote is to check if they are registered. Most Canadian citizens who are 18 years and older are eligible to vote and are listed in the National Register of Electors. However, if you want to ensure you receive a voter information card in the mail, you can check online, call or visit an Elections Canada office. If you are eligible but not yet registered, you can do so online or at an office.
In addition to election day voting, there are other options available to Canadians to cast their ballot. Advanced polls will take place from April 18 until 21 and will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. local time. Locations for advanced polling can be found on your voter card or on the Elections Canada website. Other options include voting early at an Elections Canada office by April 22 or voting by mail. Canadians interested in voting by mail are urged to apply before April 22 to ensure there is enough time to receive the voting kit, fill out the ballot and mail it back in time for it to be received by Elections Canada.
Members of the Canadian Forces are also eligible to vote using the various methods available, including special ballot at a military polling station from April 14 until 19. If deciding to vote before election day, it is recommended to wait until April 7 when all candidates in the riding are confirmed. On election day, votes are counted in person at the polling stations, with election workers counting the ballots in front of candidates, representatives and observers. Automatic ballot-counting machines are not used by Elections Canada, and ballots are counted either at the polling stations, agency offices, or at the Elections Canada facility in Ottawa, depending on where they were cast.
Once all the ballots are counted, returning officers validate the results counted on election day within the first two to three days after the election. Final results will be posted online for the public to view. Elections Canada emphasizes the importance of making an informed decision when casting your ballot and provides various ways for Canadians to do so, including checking their website for important dates, voter information, and voting locations. Whether you decide to vote in person on election day, at advanced polls, through a special ballot, or by mail, it is essential to ensure your vote is counted and contributes to the democratic process in Canada.
