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Guide to the federal election44th General Election – September 20, 2021

federal
election / Monday, September 20


#ItsOurVote


Also available: PDF | JPG | Other languages

Guide to the federal election

A collage of photos of voters with a logo letter X with text 'It's Our Vote' below it

Your health and safety is our priority

At your polling station, poll workers will be wearing masks. There will also be:

  • Hand sanitizer stations
  • Clear physical distancing markers
  • Only one poll worker per desk behind a plexiglass barrier

When you go vote, don't forget:

  • Wear a mask
  • We will provide you with a single-use pencil to mark your ballot, or you can bring your own pen or pencil
  • Practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres away from voters and poll workers

If you have tested positive for or have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus, visit elections.ca to apply to vote by mail.

This brochure is available in multiple languages at elections.ca.

For other formats, such as braille, large print and DAISY, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

The federal election is on Monday, September 20, 2021

Did you get your voter information card in the mail?

Photo of the Voter information card

Yes

If your name and address are correct, you're registered. Bring the card, along with accepted ID, to make the voting process easier.

No

You may not be registered or your voter information may not be up to date. Visit elections.ca to register or update your address, or call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY) for assistance. You can also register or update your voter information when you go to vote.

To register and vote in the federal election, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen
  • be at least 18 years old on election day
  • prove your identity and address

Ways to vote

You can vote almost any time during the election period. Choose the voting option that works best for you.

Check your voter information card for where and when you can vote.

  1. On election day
    • Monday, September 20

    Your assigned polling station will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by province).

  2. On advance polling days
    • Friday, September 10
    • Saturday, September 11
    • Sunday, September 12
    • Monday, September 13

    Your assigned polling station will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

  3. By mail

    Apply by Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. You will vote using the special ballot process. Make sure we receive your marked ballot by election day, or it cannot be counted. Visit elections.ca for more information on deadlines and to see if voting by mail is the right choice for you.

  4. At any Elections Canada office across Canada

    Go to any Elections Canada office across Canada before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. You will vote using the special ballot process. To find the Elections Canada office nearest you, visit elections.ca or call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

Once you apply to vote by mail, you can't change your mind and vote at advance polls or on election day.

Have your ID ready to vote

You have three options to prove your identity and address.

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on election day.

  • Option 1

    Show one of these pieces of ID

    • your driver's licence
    • any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with your photo, name and current address

    Or

  • Option 2

    Show two pieces of ID

    Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address.

    Examples:

    • voter information card and bank statement
    • utility bill and student ID card

    Don't have these? No problem!

    There are other accepted pieces of ID. Check out the full list at elections.ca.

    Or

  • Option 3

    If you don't have ID

    You can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you.

    The voucher must prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).

 

Voting assistance tools and services

All electors are assigned polling stations for election day and advance polling days. After the election is called, make sure your assigned polling station meets your accessibility needs. To find out how accessible it is:

  • check your voter information card
  • visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box, or
  • call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY)

If you have concerns about the accessibility of your assigned polling station, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

To request voting assistance in advance, including language and sign language interpretation, call the Elections Canada office in your riding before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m.

Voting assistance tools and services on election day

  • Bigger ballot with candidate names in large print
  • Large-print and braille lists of candidates
  • Tactile and braille voting template
  • Magnifiers
  • Language and sign language interpretation (and other assistance upon request in advance)
  • Assistance marking your ballot (Bring someone you know or ask an election worker)
  • Large-grip pencil (limited quantity) You can also bring your own pen or pencil
  • Signature guide

Note: Braille lists of candidates are only available on election day. Large print is available on advance polling days and on election day.