Who Can Vote From Outside Canada
If you are a Canadian citizen who will be at least 18 years old on election day and living outside Canada temporarily, you may be able to vote by mail-in ballot in a Canadian federal election or by-election.
Eligible Canadians who expect to be outside Canada on election day and during the advance polls, and who have a permanent residence in Canada, can vote by mail-in ballot. You must register in time for Elections Canada to send you a mail-in ballot and return it to Elections Canada by the deadline. Once you register to vote by mail-in ballot, you will not be able to vote in regular or advance polls.
Registering to Vote
To have your name added to the Register of Electors, you need to answer a few questions to determine your eligibility and then fill in the Application for Registration and Special Ballot - For electors who reside in Canada but who are away (inside or outside Canada) from their electoral districts.
- Download the application form (in PDF) from the Elections Canada site, or pick up a form at the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate.
- Be sure to read the instructions for completing the application form.
- Fill in the application form and sign and date the declaration.
- Attach copies of the documentation required to prove your identity.
- Send the application by the quickest method of delivery to Elections Canada at
Elections Canada
440 Coventry Road
P.O. Box 9830, Stn. T
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1G 5W7
Applications with copies of proof of identity and residence can also be sent by fax to 1 800 363-4796 toll-free in Canada and the United States or 1 613 998-8393 worldwide (long-distance charges apply).
Voting by Mail-in Ballot
When your registration is processed and a federal election has been called, Elections Canada will send you a voting kit. The kit includes instructions on how to complete and return the mail-in ballot.
The mail-in ballot must be received by Elections Canada by the deadline specified in the kit for your vote to count.
