Updated: 03/31/11
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.
This applies to
- Canadians temporarily away from their riding, but who have an ordinary residence in Canada, such as travellers and snowbirds, and to
- Canadian citiaens who have been living outside Canada for less than five consecutive years immediately before making the application and intend to resume residence in Canada.
Registering to Vote From Outside Canada
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.
In the 2011 general election, you must complete an application for a special ballot and provide the required documentation to Elections Canada by April 26, 2011.
The special ballot itself must be received by Elections Canada by May 2, 2011. The instructions provided with the application form have specific information on how, when and where to return the application form and special ballot.
Application to Register to Vote From Outside Canada
- You will be asked a few questions to determine your eligibility and riding, and to access the apporpriate application form.
- Be sure to read the instructions provided for completing the application form.
- Fill in the application form, print it and sign and date the declaration.
- Send the application and the required supporting documents to Elections Canada as described in the instructions.
Voting From Outside Canada
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.
