Updated: 04/12/11
Elections Canada is gradually making it easier for Canadians to vote in federal elections. Here are six different methods of casting your ballot in a Canadian federal election.
Vote at the Polls on Election Day
To find out where your polling station is, and what hours it will be open, check the Voter Information Card you receive in the mail, or use your postal code to find information for your riding from Elections Canada's Voter Information Service.
All polling stations should have level access for those with disabilities, but check ahead with your returning office to be sure. If your polling station does not have level access, ask how to get a transfer certificate to vote at a nearby polling station that does.
Vote in the Advance Polls in Your Riding
For those who can't vote on election day or wish to vote early, Elections Canada sets aside three days of advance polls. To find out where the advance polls in your riding are and when they're open, check the Voter Information Card you receive in the mail, or use your postal code to find information for your riding from Election Canada's Voter Information Service.
Vote by Special Ballot at Your Riding Returning Office
You can vote by special ballot in the local returning office in your riding. You do not have to give a reason and you don't need your Voter Information Card. You do have to fill in an application to register for a special ballot first though, so be sure to bring identification to prove your identity and residential address. Once the registration is accepted you will be given a voter's kit. You can either vote then and there or take the kit home and return your ballot to the returning office before the May 2 deadline. To vote, be sure you know the name of the candidate (not just the party) you wish to vote for, as you may have to write it in.
In the 2011 federal election, the deadline for special ballot registration is 6:00 pm local time on Tuesday, April 26. The ballots themselves can be accepted up until the time the polls close in your riding on election day.
Note: Once your application to vote by special ballot has been accepted, that is the only way you can vote. You will not be able to vote at regular or advance polls or apply for another special ballot from Elections Canada.
Vote by Mail
Eligible Canadian voters can apply to vote by mail whether they are inside or outside Canada. You have to fill in an application to register by special ballot for either voting while away from your electoral district or voting in your electoral district. In both cases it is important to leave enough time to submit the application for registration, have the voting kit sent to you, and return the voting kit by the appropriate deadline.
In the 2011 federal election, the deadline by which Elections Canada must receive your Application For Registration and Special Ballot form and proof of identity and home address is 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 26. The ballots themseleves must be received by Elections Canada by the voting deadline on May 2.
Note: Once your application to vote by special ballot has been accepted, that is the only way you can vote. You will not be able to vote at regular or advance polls or apply for another special ballot from Elections Canada.
Vote Using Mobile Polls
This option is available for those in hospitals and for seniors and people with physical disabilities in residences and institutions. Check with the staff of the residence or institution for details.
Vote at Home
If you have a physical disability which prevents you from getting to a polling station or the office of your returning officer you can call your returning officer and make arrangements to vote at home in the presence of an election officer and a witness.
