Elections Canada is the one-stop shop for details on how to vote. Registering helps the process go faster for you on election day, but it is not required before you go vote.
Special voting stations for youth
Acceptable identification and trouble proving your address
A few things to consider:
- Do you want to vote right now? You can! Head to an Elections Canada office with proper ID.
- Review the options below if you are a student, or living away from your home address: special voting stations and advanced polls on campuses.
- You can skip the lines and vote at an advance poll in your riding from October 9 - October 12.
- Want to vote on election day (October 19)? Figure out where you will be living on October 19th. You will vote at a polling station in your riding that corresponds to where you live. Enter your postal code here to find out which riding you live in.
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Special voting stations for youth and students
Click here for a list of special polling stations that will be set up on several campuses, youth centres, and Friendship Centres, from October 5th - October 8th.
This is a great option if you are living away from home because you don't need to worry about having a piece of ID with an address corresponding to the poll location. Your vote will be counted in your home riding (or whichever riding your address corresponds to). Anyone can vote at these locations.
Other options for students
There will be advanced polls set up on several campuses from October 9th - October 12th. You must have proof of address which corresponds to the riding in which the polling station/campus is located in.
[Click here for the Elections Canada Student page]
Acceptable Identification
- If you have a driver's license with an address which corresponding to your riding, you have all the ID you need.
- No driver's license? You need two pieces of ID; one must have your address on it. Click here to see the list of acceptable ID (includes utility bills, banks statements, health cards, and many other acceptable forms).
Trouble proving your address?
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You can get a confirmation of residence signed by a verified* student residence, a soup kitchen, a shelter, or a seniors' residence.
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You can head to the polls with a friend who has acceptable ID and lives in your riding. They can vouch for you. This means that they take an oath stating you live in the riding you are voting in.
"Show two pieces of ID with your name and have someone who knows you attest to your address. This person must show proof of identity and address, be registered in the same polling division, and attest for only one person." - Elections Canada
Click here for information on receiving time off from work to vote.
*Verified student residences, soup kitchens, shelters or seniors' residences: These locations must be verified by the local Elections Canada Office. Find your local Elections Canada office at www.elections.ca.