Who Can Vote in Canada?
To vote in Canadian federal elections, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen,
- Be at least 18 years old on election day,
- Prove your identity and address.
Each province and territory also has its own rules for local elections, but in general, the criteria are similar.
Step-by-Step: How to Register to Vote
1. Check if You’re Already Registered
Many new citizens are automatically added to the voter list if they provided their consent when applying for citizenship or updating their address through the Canada Revenue Agency or another government service.
To check your registration status:
- Visit Elections Canada’s registration page
- Call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868
2. Register Online
If you’re not already registered or need to update your information (e.g., name, address), the easiest way is to:
- Go to ereg.elections.ca
- Have one piece of ID handy that proves both your identity and address (like a driver’s license)
You can register or update your info any time outside of an election period, or during an election right up to the day you vote.
3. Register by Mail or In Person
If you prefer, you can:
- Call Elections Canada to request a registration form by mail
- Visit your local Elections Canada office during an election
- Register at the polls on election day or during advance voting (bring proper ID)
What ID Do You Need to Register and Vote?
To register and vote, you must prove:
- Your identity (who you are)
- Your address (where you live)
You can do this by:
- Showing one government-issued photo ID with your name and address (like a driver’s license),
- OR two pieces of ID, both showing your name and at least one with your address,
- OR having someone in your polling division vouch for you (they must be registered and have ID).
A full list of accepted ID is available on the Elections Canada website.
When Can You Vote?
Once you’re registered, you can vote:
- On election day
- At advance polls
- By mail (you’ll need to apply for a mail-in ballot in advance)
Election dates are announced in advance by Elections Canada or your provincial/municipal election authority.
Voting in Provincial, Territorial, and Municipal Elections
Each province and municipality manages its own elections. After becoming a citizen, you can:
- Check your provincial or territorial elections agency website to register
- Contact your city or town hall for municipal election details
Some jurisdictions allow permanent residents to vote in municipal elections, but only citizens can vote federally or provincially.
Why Your Vote Matters
Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. It’s your opportunity to help shape your community, your province, and the country. Every vote counts—whether it’s for your local councillor, provincial representative, or member of Parliament.
