Dateline: 04/08/11
Identification Required to Vote in a Canadian Federal Election
Eligible voters in a Canadian federal election must prove their identity and their residential address before they can vote.
Voters are required to do one of the following:
- show one piece of government identification which shows their photo, name and residential address (e.g. a driver's licence), or
- show two pieces of identification from Election Canada's authorized list. Both pieces of identification must contain the voter's name, and one must have the voter's residential address, or
- be vouched for by another voter whose name appears on the voters list in the same polling division and who has acceptable pieces of identification. Both will have to make a sworn statement. A voter can only vouch for one person and a voter who has been vouched for can't vouch for someone else.
Voter Identification for the Homeless
The homeless need to get an Attestation of Residence from a homeless shelter or soup kitchen they frequent and also show another piece of identification to prove their identity, a health card for example.
Voter Identification for Those Wearing Face Coverings
Voters wearing face coverings, including Muslim women, will be asked to remove their face covering. If the voter does not wish to do so, they must take the Oath of Qualification to Vote and show two pieces of identification.
Tip: Your Voter Information Card does not count as identification to vote, however it is a good idea to bring it with you when you vote. It can speed up the processing time.
