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Survey of Candidates of the 42nd Federal General Election

2. Findings

2.1 Overall Satisfaction with Election Services

This section discusses overall perceptions of Elections Canada's administration of services during the 2015 election.

a) Satisfaction with Overall Administration

Just over two in three candidates (69 percent) said they were satisfied with the administration provided by Elections Canada in their riding. Another 17 percent were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 13 percent were dissatisfied.

This election saw levels of satisfaction with the administration similar to those for the 2011 and 2008 elections, where 72 percent and 68 percent of candidates were satisfied, respectively.

Satisfaction with Administration of Election

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Administration of Election"

  • Satisfaction levels appear different based on gender. Compared with men, women are less likely to have been satisfied with the election administration (61 percent, compared with 73 percent).
  • Incumbents are also considerably less likely to have been satisfied with the administration than non-incumbent candidates (56 percent, compared with 72 percent); candidates represented in the House of Commons (HOC) are also considerably less likely to be satisfied compared with those who are not represented in the House (67 percent, compared with 80 percent).

b) Overall Satisfaction with EC Services

About three in four (74 percent) candidates expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of service from Elections Canada. Another 15 percent were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 10 percent were dissatisfied.

Candidates' satisfaction with the overall quality of service found in the current study was lower than in 2011 (81 percent expressed satisfaction) and 2008 (79 percent expressed satisfaction).

Satisfaction with Quality of Elections Canada Service

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Quality of Elections Canada Service"

  • Candidates from Quebec (80 percent) and Francophones (81 percent) are slightly more likely to have been satisfied with the overall quality of service from Elections Canada compared with candidates from other locations and Anglophones respectively.
  • The youngest candidates (under 35) also expressed the greatest satisfaction (80 percent) compared with 69 to 73 percent among older candidates (all candidates 35 and over).
  • Although roughly equal proportions were satisfied, satisfaction with the overall quality of service is not as strong among candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (27 percent very satisfied, compared with 46 percent among other candidates).This is also true of incumbents (8 percent very satisfied) compared with 34 percent among other candidates.

c) Satisfaction with Returning Officer

Satisfaction with the way the returning officer ran the election in their riding was higher than their satisfaction with the way Elections Canada administered the election in their riding. While 69 percent of candidates were satisfied with Elections Canada's administration of the election in their riding, 78 percent of candidates were satisfied with the way the returning officer ran it. Ten percent of candidates were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and another 11 percent were dissatisfied.

Satisfaction with the returning officer's performance is similar to that in previous elections, where 81 percent were satisfied in 2011 and 79 percent were satisfied in 2008.

Satisfaction with Returning Officers' Performance

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Returning Officers' Performance"

  • The strength of satisfaction is not as high among members of political parties represented in the House (46 percent very satisfied) compared with candidates from parties not represented in the HOC (71 percent). This pattern is also found among incumbent candidates (32 percent very satisfied) compared with non-incumbent candidates (54 percent).
  • Candidates' overall satisfaction with the administration of the election seems closely tied with satisfaction of the returning officer's administration. Candidates who were satisfied with the overall performance of Elections Canada were also more likely to be satisfied with how the returning officer ran the election in their riding (67 percent very satisfied) compared with candidates dissatisfied with the administration of the election (14 percent).
  • Regionally, the level of satisfaction with the returning officer's performance is highest in Alberta (64 percent very satisfied). Although dissatisfaction is generally low across the country, 13 percent of candidates in the Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) expressed strong dissatisfaction.
  • Satisfaction is also slightly lower among women (44 percent very satisfied) compared with men (54 percent).

Almost all candidates (84 percent) were satisfied with their interactions with the returning officer. Eight percent of candidates were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and another six percent were dissatisfied.

Candidates reported similar levels of satisfaction about interactions with the returning officer in previous elections, with 86 percent reporting satisfaction in 2011 and 85 percent in 2008.

Satisfaction with Interactions with Returning Officer

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Interactions with Returning Officer"

  • The strength of satisfaction regarding the interactions with the returning officer are again lower among candidates representing parties in the HOC (59 percent very satisfied) compared with those candidates representing other parties (73 percent). This is also true of incumbent candidates (51 percent were very satisfied, compared with 63 percent of non-incumbents).
  • Candidates in Alberta also expressed stronger satisfaction (68 percent very satisfied) compared with candidates in other regions. It is lowest among candidates in the Prairies (52 percent).

2.2 Experience with Electoral Process Requirements

a) Compliance with Nomination Requirements

Most candidates (80 percent) did not have difficulty complying with the nomination requirements. About half of the candidates (50 percent) said they found it somewhat easy to comply with the nomination requirements, and about a third (30 percent) found it to be very easy to comply. Only 13 percent found compliance to be not very easy, and another 5 percent considered it to be not easy at all.

The perception of the ease of complying with the nomination requirements has remained virtually the same since the 2008 election, when 79 percent of candidates found it easy to comply with the requirements. After the 2011 election, 81 percent of candidates found it easy to comply.

Ease of Compliance with Nomination Process

Text version of graph "Ease of Compliance with Nomination Process"

  • Members of political parties represented in the House are more likely to say it was very easy (33 percent) to comply with the requirements; those from parties not represented in the HOC are more likely to say it was not easy at all (11 percent). This pattern is also found among incumbent candidates (47 percent indicate compliance was very easy) compared with non-incumbent candidates, and with those who were elected (42 percent say compliance was very easy) compared with those who were not elected.
  • Candidates' overall satisfaction with the administration of the election is again associated with the perceived ease of compliance. Candidates who were not satisfied with the way Elections Canada administered the election in their riding were also more likely to indicate that it was not easy at all (9 percent) to comply with the nominations requirements.

Of the candidates who had difficulties with the nomination process, the most prevalent reason cited was difficulty gathering required signatures. Over 4 in 10 (45 percent) of the candidates who had difficulty complying with nomination requirements encountered this issue. In the 2011 and 2008 elections, this was also the most cited difficulty, although the incidence has declined from 60 percent in 2011 and 54 percent in 2008.

Of the remaining issues cited by candidates experiencing difficulty, procedural difficulties were most frequently mentioned, such as too much paperwork or bureaucracy (32 percent), difficulties as an independent candidate or as a member of a small or new party (17 percent), and procedures or requirements not explained (16 percent).

The remaining difficulties included difficulties getting the $1000 deposit (13 percent), appointing an official agent (6 percent), appointing an auditor (5 percent), meeting the nomination deadline (3 percent), and finding the returning officer difficult to deal with (2 percent).

Other issues were cited 5 percent of the time, with no single issue standing out.

Nature of Difficulties with Nomination Process

Text version of graph "Nature of Difficulties with Nomination Process"

  • Members of political parties represented in the House are more likely (41 percent) to say that compliance was not very easy because of too much paper work involved or bureaucracy compared with members of political parties not represented in the House. Those from parties not represented in the HOC are more likely to feel that the nomination process was not easy because it was difficult to get the required number of signatures (65 percent) or to get the $1000 deposit (20 percent) than those from parties who are represented.
  • Those not satisfied with the administration of the election are more likely than those satisfied to say that there was too much paperwork (44 percent), the procedures or requirements were not explained (22 percent), or that the returning officer was difficult to deal with (4 percent).

b) Timeliness in Processing Nomination

The vast majority of candidates (89 percent) were satisfied with the returning officer's timeliness in processing nominations. In fact, 73 percent were very satisfied. Only 5 percent were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 5 percent of candidates were dissatisfied.

Due to changes in question wording, results are not directly comparable with those of earlier elections.

Satisfaction with Timeliness of Nomination Processing

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Timeliness of Nomination Processing"

  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC are more likely to be very satisfied (82 percent) with the returning officer's timeliness, as are those not elected (75 percent) compared with candidates who are from parties represented in the HOC (71 percent) and those who were elected (64 percent).
  • Those satisfied with the administration of the election are also more likely to have been very satisfied with the timeliness (82 percent) compared with those who were not satisfied with the administration of the election (52 percent).
  • Male candidates (75 percent) are more likely than female candidates (69 percent) to have been very satisfied with the returning officer's timeliness.

c) Challenges in Finding an Official Agent

Few candidates (17 percent) encountered difficulties in finding an official agent. This is in line with 18 percent of responding candidates in 2011 who said that the process of appointing an official agent was not at all or not very easy.

Extent of Difficulties Finding an Official Agent

Text version of graph "Extent of Difficulties Finding an Official Agent"

  • Incumbents (90 percent), along with elected candidates (87 percent), are more likely to say that they did not encounter any problems in finding an official agent compared with non-incumbents (79 percent) and candidates who were not elected (79 percent) respectively.

Of those who encountered difficulties, the most frequently cited reason by far was trouble finding someone willing or available to take on the role (68 percent). This was also the most cited difficulty in 2011 and 2008, although the frequency has increased significantly from 59 percent in 2011 and 40 percent in 2008.

Additionally, some candidates found that it was difficult to find someone qualified for the position (27 percent) or that the position of official agent was a hard job or carried too much responsibility (24 percent). Compared with 2011, fewer candidates cited either of these reasons (36 percent and 41 percent, respectively).

Few candidates reported other difficulties, such as being an independent or part of a small or new party (12 percent), too much paperwork (11 percent), being unsure of the official agent's role (9 percent), or having a time frame that was too short (4 percent). Very few candidates cited other reasons (5 percent).

Nature of Difficulties in Finding an Official Agent

Text version of graph "Nature of Difficulties in Finding an Official Agent"

  • Candidates not satisfied with the overall administration of the election are more likely to say they had difficulties in finding an official agent because the job was hard or carried too much responsibility (38 percent, compared with 18 percent of those who were satisfied) or that there was too much paperwork or bureaucracy (19 percent, compared with 8 percent of those who were satisfied).

d) Challenges in Finding an Auditor

Few candidates (10 percent) encountered difficulties finding an official auditor.

Extent of Difficulties Finding an Auditor

Text version of graph "Extent of Difficulties Finding an Auditor"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (90 percent, compared with 70 percent of members of political parties not represented in the HOC), those elected (93 percent, compared with 85 percent of candidates who were not elected), and incumbents (96 percent, compared with 85 percent of non-incumbents) are more likely to say that they did not encounter any problems in finding an auditor.

Of the few candidates who did encounter problems finding an auditor, most reported that it was hard to find someone willing or available (51 percent), or that it was difficult to find someone qualified (39 percent). Fewer candidates encountered other difficulties, such as being an independent candidate or part of a small or new party (17 percent), the cost or unaffordability of auditors (13 percent), that the position is a hard job or carries considerable responsibility (11 percent), being unsure about the auditor's role (8 percent), encountering too much paperwork or bureaucracy (8 percent), or finding the time frame too short (2 percent). Two percent of candidates encountered other difficulties.

Nature of Difficulties in Finding an Auditor

Text version of graph "Nature of Difficulties in Finding an Auditor"

  • There were too few cases of candidates responding to the nature of difficulties in finding an auditor to determine differences among sub-groups.

e) Issues with Providing List of Names of Election Staff

Most candidates (incumbents or those who came second in the previous election) did not encounter any problems in providing names of election staff to the returning officer (64 percent). Some candidates encountered challenges with finding people who were interested, available or competent to do the job, or they did not provide such a list to the returning officer (5 percent each). Four percent found that there was not enough time to find people, and 3 percent found that people on the list were not eligible. Other categories of responses were smaller.

In both the 2015 and 2011 elections, a similar percentage of candidates did not encounter problems or challenges in providing a list of names, up from 49 percent in 2008. Of the candidates who did encounter problems, fewer candidates were unable to find people interested or available than in 2011 (10 percent).

Extent of Problems Providing Names of Staff to Returning Officer

Text version of graph "Extent of Problems Providing Names of Staff to Returning Officer"

Among the few candidates indicating difficulties in providing names of staff (n=23), most were unable to point to the type of position they had difficulty providing names for.

2.3 Satisfaction with Voting Process

The majority of candidates (56 percent) were satisfied with the way the voting process went on both polling day and on advance voting days, with 29 percent saying they were somewhat satisfied and another 27 percent saying they were very satisfied. One in five (21 percent) were neutral, and approximately another one in five were dissatisfied (including 7 percent very dissatisfied).

Roughly two-thirds of candidates were either satisfied (33 percent) or very satisfied (31 percent) with the locations chosen as polling sites for advance polls and on election day. Sixteen percent were dissatisfied (with 8 percent each describing themselves as moderately dissatisfied or very dissatisfied).

Satisfaction with Voting Process

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Voting Process"

  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC are more likely to have been very satisfied with both the voting process (45 percent, compared with 22 percent of members of political parties represented in the HOC) and the locations chosen (49 percent, compared with 27 percent of members of political parties represented in the HOC).
  • Candidates who were not elected are more likely to have been very satisfied with both the voting process (29 percent, compared with 15 percent of candidates who were elected) and the locations chosen (33 percent, compared with 23 percent of candidates who were elected).
  • Non-incumbents are more likely to have been very satisfied with both the voting process (30 percent, compared with 6 percent of incumbents) and the locations chosen (34 percent, compared with 14 percent of incumbents). Those satisfied with the administration of the election are also more likely to have been very satisfied with these two elements (34 percent for voting process and 38 percent for locations).
  • Candidates in Quebec are more likely to be satisfied (33 percent for the voting process and 38 percent for the locations chosen) when compared with those in other provinces; likewise, French-speaking candidates are more likely to have been satisfied (32 percent for the voting process and 39 percent for the locations chosen) when compared with English-speaking candidates.
  • Candidates in Alberta (39 percent) are more likely than those in other regions to have been very satisfied with the locations chosen.
  • Younger candidates, under age 35, are more likely to have been very satisfied (38 percent) with the locations of polling sites than older candidates. In contrast, candidates over the age of 60 were more likely to indicate they were very dissatisfied (12 percent) than the youngest cohort (4 percent).
  • Male candidates (29 percent) are more likely than females (20 percent) to have been very satisfied with the way the voting process went.

The one in five who were dissatisfied with the voting process pointed primarily to long lineups at the advance polls (32 percent) as the reason for their opinion. Other reasons cited less often included long lineups on polling day (10 percent), untrained or unprepared staff or rude or unprofessional behaviour (8 percent), voters unfairly turned away (6 percent), too few polling stations on polling day (6 percent) or advance polling day (5 percent), that their electors did not know where to vote (4 percent), or problems with the "Statement of the electors who voted on polling day" (4 percent). Other reasons were cited less often.

Sources of Dissatisfaction with Voting Process

Text version of graph "Sources of Dissatisfaction with Voting Process"

  • Elected candidates (14 percent) and incumbents (20 percent) are more likely than other candidates to have been dissatisfied with the voting process because there were too few advance polling stations.

Candidates who were dissatisfied with the location of the polling sites noted multiple sources of dissatisfaction. About one in five encountered problems related to the distance or convenience of polling stations (32 percent), accessibility of polling stations on polling day (20 percent) or at advance polls (18 percent), inappropriate polling stations (17 percent), or insufficient advance polling stations (17 percent). Twelve percent of dissatisfied candidates said that electors were unsure about which polling stations to go to. Roughly 1 in 10 were dissatisfied because advance polling stations or election day polling stations were hard to find (11 percent each), or they noted problems related to space in advance polling stations (11 percent), or there were insufficient polling stations on election day (10 percent). Four percent noted problems related to space in polling stations on election day. Another 8 percent stated other reasons for dissatisfaction, although no single reason was represented by more than two or three comments.

Fewer candidates (20 percent) encountered problems with accessibility on polling day in the 2015 election than in previous elections, which was cited by 32 percent in 2011 and 41 percent in 2008. The percentage of candidates having problems with accessibility on advance voting days, however, was similar to the previous election. While fewer candidates in the 2015 election felt that there were not enough polling stations on election day compared with candidates in 2011 (19 percent), more candidates in 2015 thought that there were not enough advance polling stations compared with 2011 (9 percent). More candidates also reported that electors were unsure about which polling station to go to in 2015 (12 percent) than in 2011 (6 percent). The percentage of candidates reporting inappropriate polling stations was approximately the same in 2011 (19 percent), and less than it was in 2008 (7 percent).

Sources of Dissatisfaction with Poll Locations

Text version of graph "Sources of Dissatisfaction with Poll Locations"

  • There were no significant differences among sub-groups.

a) Issues with Voter Identification

One-quarter (25 percent) of candidates witnessed problems related to the voter identification requirements, although two-thirds did not witness any problems.

The percentage of candidates witnessing problems related to voter identification requirements was similar to in the 2011 election (26 percent) and less frequent than in the 2008 election (37 percent).

Extent of Problems with Voter Identification Requirements

Text version of graph "Extent of Problems with Voter Identification Requirements"

  • Candidates represented in the House (30 percent) are more likely to say they witnessed problems related to voter identification requirements than candidates who were not represented (18 percent).
  • Those in Quebec (30 percent), along with French-speaking candidates (31 percent), are more likely to have witnessed problems than candidates in Ontario (22 percent), British Columbia (17 percent), and English speakers (23 percent).
  • Women (32 percent) are more likely than men (23 percent) to have noted problems with voter identification.
  • Candidates who were satisfied with the overall performance of Elections Canada are less likely to have witnessed any problems with voter identification (68 percent did not) compared with candidates dissatisfied with the administration of the election (52 percent did not).

Among candidates who witnessed problems with the voter identification requirements (n=132), close to two-thirds (61 percent) commented on issues such as electors having problems proving their identity (23 percent), electors not having proper identification to vote (9 percent), electors uncertain about the proper identification (11 percent), electors not able to prove their address (11 percent), or electors not having proper identification and not being able to register (7 percent). About a quarter (23 percent) noticed issues relating to election staff, such as staff uncertain about the identification needed to vote (18 percent) and uneven interpretation of the rules by election officers (5 percent). One in 12 (8 percent) noticed long lineups due to the identification requirements. A further 5 percent cited other problems, such as noticing electors trying to vote more than once (2 percent) and scrutineers not being allowed to examine electors' identification.

More candidates witnessed problems with electors having problems proving their identity than in the 2011 election, when 21 percent witnessed that issue. Significantly fewer candidates witnessed problems with voters not having proper identification, however, and not being able to vote, down from 39 percent in 2011. Similarly, more candidates witnessed electors uncertain about which identification was needed, with overall multiple mentions up to 17 per cent, from 13 percent in 2011. About the same percentage of candidates in both elections witnessed electors having problems proving their address and witnessed election officers unevenly interpreting rules.

Table 2: Nature of Problems with Voter Identification
Q15: "What problems did you witness?" (First mention only)Footnote 2
n=132 Total
Problems related to electors 61%
Electors not having proper identification: not able to register 7%
Electors not having proper identification: not able to vote 9%
Electors uncertain about identification needed 11%
Electors having problems proving their address 11%
Electors having problems proving their identity 23%
Problems related to election staff 23%
Uneven interpretation of the rules by election officers 5%
Staff confused/unprepared regarding rules and procedures or inconsistent in applying them 18%
Problems related to long lineups 8%
Long lineups due to identification requirements 8%
Other 5%
Scrutineers not allowed to examine electors' identification 1%
Electors trying to vote more than once 2%
Other, specify 3%
Don't know / Refusal 2%

2.4 Perception of EC Services and Products

a) All Candidates Briefing

In total, 84 percent of candidates attended the briefing or sent someone else to attend. Only 16 percent said that neither they, nor someone from their team attended the briefing. Those who indicated attending the event in some capacity were able to select multiple people who attended (e.g., a candidate could select that both they and their manager attended). Among the 84 percent where there was attendance, 40 percent of the time it was the candidate themselves who attended. In a slightly higher proportion of cases (45 percent), candidates assigned their campaign manager to attend (either with them or on their own), while the official agent attended (either with them or on their own) about one-eighth of the time (13 percent).

Attendance at the all candidate's briefing has risen slightly from the 2011 and 2008 elections, when 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively, of campaigns did not send a representative. About the same percentage of candidates personally attended the all candidates briefing in 2015 and 2011, although personal attendance was higher in 2008, when 47 percent of candidates attended. The increase in attendance at the briefing comes largely from a steady increase in attendance by campaign representatives (45 percent in 2015, compared with 39 percent in 2011 and 28 percent in 2008).

Attendance at All Candidates Briefing

Text version of graph "Attendance at All Candidates Briefing"

  • Candidates from political parties represented in the HOC are much more likely to have been represented at the briefing (90 percentFootnote 3) than candidates from parties not represented in the House, where only 61 percent where represented.
  • Among those represented at the briefing, incumbent candidates are considerably less likely to have attended the briefing personally (28 percent) compared with non-incumbents (42 percent). Many incumbent campaigns sent campaign managers to attend (76 percent), but in virtually all cases there was an attendee at the briefing who represented the incumbent.
  • Among non-incumbents 18 percent said that no one attended (compared with 1 percent for incumbents).
  • Similarly, more elected candidates were represented by a campaign manager (73 percent), but whether the elected candidate or a representative, someone did attend the briefing in almost all cases. Among unsuccessful campaigns, 19 percent of candidates said that no one attended the briefing.
  • Regionally, a larger proportion of candidates in Alberta and British Columbia personally attended the briefing (52 percent and 47 percent, respectively). Proportionally, the fewest candidates represented at the briefing came from Atlantic Canada (30 percent).
  • The youngest candidates (under 35) are the least likely to have attended personally (36 percent) or sent a campaign manager (27 percent) compared with older candidates. In fact, 31 percent were not represented at the briefing.

For those candidates who attended or were represented at the all candidates briefing, the meeting proved to be useful for four in five candidates, with 53 percent indicating it to be somewhat useful and 28 percent finding the meeting to be very useful.

Perceptions of the usefulness of the all candidates briefing have remained stable since the 2008 election.

Usefulness of All Candidates Briefing

Text version of graph "Usefulness of All Candidates Briefing"

  • While candidates across Canada have similar attitudes towards the usefulness of the briefing, there is a slightly higher proportion of Francophone candidates that rated the briefing as not very useful (15 percent) compared with Anglophone candidates (9 percent).
  • Younger candidates are also less likely to have rated the briefing as useful. While 21 percent of those under the age of 35 found the briefing to be not very useful, the same is true of only 8 to 9 percent of older candidates. Correspondingly, fewer younger candidates found the briefing to be very useful (15 percent) compared with other candidates. Slightly more candidates between the ages of 50 and 59 found the briefing to be very useful (34 percent) than candidates of other ages.

b) Contact with EC

During the election, candidates most often contacted Elections Canada through their local Elections Canada office (80 percent). Two-thirds (64 percent) used the candidates' section of Elections Canada's website. Just under half (42 percent) contacted Elections Canada using the 1-800 support line for candidates. Although results are very similar to those obtained in 2011 with regard to contacting the local EC office and/or use of the 1-800 number, results appear to be lower in terms of current use of the website compared with 2011, when 84 percent indicated that they had used it. It should be noted, however, that the 2011 question asked about use of the EC website generally (i.e., was not specific to the candidates' section) and it qualified the use in terms of "finding information."

Extent of Contact with Elections Canada

Text version of graph "Extent of Contact with Elections Canada"

  • Slightly more candidates from political parties represented in the HOC contacted their local Elections Canada office (82 percent) than did candidates from parties not represented in the HOC (73 percent). Conversely, fewer candidates from parties represented in the HOC used the 1-800 line (39 percent) or the website (62 percent) compared with other candidates (54 and 72 percent, respectively).
  • Fewer elected candidates used the 1-800 line (33 percent) and the website (54 percent) than did unelected candidates (44 percent and 66 percent).
  • More non-incumbent candidates used the 1-800 line (44 percent) and website (67 percent) than incumbent candidates (29 percent and 50 percent).
  • Men (67 percent) are more likely to have used the website than women (57 percent).
  • Slightly fewer candidates over 60 years old contacted their local Elections Canada office (72 percent) than did candidates younger than them. In fact, candidates between the ages of 50 and 59 are most likely to have contacted the local office (85 percent). Candidates under the age of 35 (76 percent) are more likely than other age groups to use the website. Use of the website is lowest among candidates over 60 (56 percent).
  • Contact with the local Elections Canada office is highest among candidates in British Columbia (85 percent) and lowest in the Prairies (74 percent). Use of the website is highest in Quebec and among Francophones (70 percent and 72 percent, respectively). Fewer candidates from Atlantic Canada used the website (54 percent) compared with other candidates.

Among candidates who accessed Elections Canada through one of these avenues, candidates who accessed the local office were most satisfied with the service they received, with 30 percent indicating that they were somewhat satisfied and another 52 percent who were very satisfied. Just over two-thirds of those who used the 1-800 line were somewhat satisfied (31 percent) or very satisfied (38 percent) with the service. A slightly narrower proportion of candidates using the candidates' section of the Elections Canada website (31 percent) and the 1-800 line (38 percent) were very satisfied compared with contacting the Elections Canada office–although still relatively high, with 40 percent rating themselves somewhat satisfied and another 31 percent saying they were very satisfied.

Satisfaction with Services Received

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Services Received"

  • The level of satisfaction is higher among candidates from political parties not represented in the HOC with regard to services from the local office (66 percent very satisfied) and the 1-800 line (47 percent very satisfied) compared with satisfaction among candidates belonging to parties in the HOC (49 percent and 35 percent respectively).
  • The level of satisfaction with services from local offices is lower among incumbents (40 percent very satisfied) compared with non-incumbent candidates (55 percent).
  • Slightly more candidates from Quebec (58 percent) and Alberta (61 percent) said they were very satisfied with services from their local office compared with other candidates. The level of satisfaction with information from the website is lowest among candidates from the Prairies (14 percent very satisfied) and highest in Quebec (37 percent) compared with the rest of Canada.
  • Correspondingly, satisfaction is also higher among French-speaking candidates in terms of both the services from local offices (59 percent very satisfied) and the information from the website (38 percent very satisfied) compared with English-speaking candidates (51 percent and 29 percent respectively).

c) Political Financing Handbook

Three in four candidates found the Political Financing Handbook to be somewhat (41 percent) or very (33 percent) useful. Eight percent did not find the Handbook to be useful, and another 16 percent said they did not know.

Usefulness of Political Financing Handbook

Text version of graph "Usefulness of Political Financing Handbook"

  • Candidates belonging to political parties represented in the HOC are more likely to rate the handbook as very useful (36 percent, compared with other candidates at 23 percent).
  • Regionally, more candidates from Atlantic Canada found the Political Financing Handbook to be very useful (42 percent).

d) Polling Division Maps

The maps of polling divisions were made available by Elections Canada in various formats. The vast majority of candidates used the maps (87 percent), and most (68 percent) used the paper format. Four in 10 (41 percent) used the PDF version, while one in five (21 percent) used the online version, GeoExplore. One in 10 did not use any maps (7 percent) or did not know (6 percent).

While Elections Canada offered different electronic formats in the 2015 election than in previous elections, the use of paper maps has increased somewhat to 68 percent, from 56 percent in the 2011 election.

Format of Polling Division Maps Used

Text version of graph "Format of Polling Division Maps Used"

  • Candidates representing parties not in the HOC are less likely to have used the maps of polling divisions (17 percent did not).
  • Candidates from political parties that are represented in the HOC were more likely to use the PDF versions (45 percent) compared with those whose parties are not in the HOC (26 percent).
  • The PDF version of the maps is also marginally more popular in Alberta and Ontario (47 and 43 percent respectively) and least so among candidates from Quebec and the Atlantic region (37 percent and 33 percent respectively). It is also more widely used among male candidates (43 percent, compared with 37 percent of women), Anglophones (43 percent, compared with 35 percent of Francophones) and those between the ages of 35 and 49 (46 percent, compared with 36 percent to 43 percent of other age groups).

Candidates using any of the three versions of polling division maps indicated strong satisfaction with the formats. Of the candidates who used the paper format of polling division maps, half (50 percent) were very satisfied and an additional one-quarter (28 percent) were somewhat satisfied. Just under three-quarters of candidates were somewhat satisfied (32 percent) or very satisfied (40 percent) with the format of the PDF map. About one-third (35 percent) of those using the GeoExplore online version were very satisfied with the format, in addition to 27 percent who were somewhat satisfied.

Satisfaction with Polling Division Map Formats

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Polling Division Map Formats"

  • Candidates from Quebec are more likely to have been very satisfied with all of polling division map formats than candidates from other regions. Quebecers were most satisfied with the paper format of polling division maps (65 percent), followed by PDFs (51 percent) and GeoExplore (48 percent). Fewer candidates from the Prairies (40 percent) and British Columbia (42 percent) were very satisfied with the paper format than candidates from other regions (45 percent to 65 percent).
  • Correspondingly, more French-speaking candidates were very satisfied will all formats than English-speaking candidates. More French speakers were very satisfied with the paper format (67 percent) than with other formats, followed by PDFs (53 percent), and GeoExplore (48 percent). Most English speakers were very satisfied with paper format (45 percent), PDFs (37 percent), followed by GeoExplore (32 percent).
  • Candidates under the age of 35 are more likely to be very satisfied with the paper format (57 percent) and PDFs (54 percent) compared with other age groups.
  • Fewer candidates belonging to parties represented in the HOC were very satisfied with the paper format (47 percent) compared with other candidates (65 percent).
  • Similarly, fewer incumbent candidates were very satisfied with the paper format (33 percent) than non-incumbents (52 percent).

Just less than half (40 percent) of candidates who used polling division maps used the maps to canvass door-to-door. Over a quarter (28 percent) used the polling division maps to verify boundaries. Fewer than one in five used the maps to search for an address (15 percent), verify where to place a sign (13 percent), use it for general planning and organization of work (13 percent), contact electors by phone (11 percent), identify voters and voter demographics (7 percent), identify priority areas and target supporters (5 percent), tell voters about poll locations (4 percent), or circulate mail-outs/flyers/advertisements (2 percent). Three percent indicated another use of the polling division maps.

Use for Polling Division Maps

Text version of graph "Use for Polling Division Maps"

  • More candidates from Quebec used polling division maps to verify sign placement (21 percent) and contact electors by phone (19 percent) compared with candidates from other regions. Quebecers did not use the maps as often as candidates from other regions to verify boundaries (26 percent) or for canvassing (33 percent). More candidates from Ontario than elsewhere used the maps for canvassing (56 percent). Candidates from Atlantic Canada (47 percent) and the Prairies (46 percent) are more likely to have used the maps to verify boundaries.
  • English-speaking candidates are more likely to have used the maps for canvassing (50 percent) and verifying boundaries (34 percent) than Francophones (36 percent and 26 percent). On the other hand, more Francophone candidates used the maps to verify where to place a sign (22 percent) and to contact electors by phone (18 percent) than English-speakers (13 percent and 11 percent).
  • Candidates belonging to parties represented in the House of Commons used the maps more often for canvassing (51 percent) and contacting electors by phone (14 percent) compared with other candidates (27 percent and 7 percent). Candidates belonging to parties not represented in the HOC (39 percent) are more likely than their counterparts (31 percent) to have used the maps to verify boundaries.
  • Similarly, incumbent candidates are more likely to have used the maps for canvassing (62 percent) and contacting electors by phone (24 percent) compared with non-incumbents (44 percent and 11 percent).

e) Updated List of Polling Stations

Elections Canada provided candidates with an updated list, in paper and electronic format, of polling stations. Two in three (67 percent) reported using the updated list.

Use of Updated List of Polling Stations

Text version of graph "Use of Updated List of Polling Stations"

  • Use of the list was higher among candidates whose political parties are represented in the HOC (75 percent) compared with other candidates. Similarly, almost all elected candidates (91 percent) used the list, while unelected candidates used the list much less often (62 percent). Incumbents also used the list (87 percent) more often than non-incumbents (64 percent).
  • Slightly fewer candidates from Alberta used the updated list (60 percent) than other candidates.
  • The list was more widely used among French-speaking candidates (72 percent) than English-speakers (65 percent).
  • Candidates between 50 and 59 used the list the most (74 percent). Candidates younger than 35 used the list the least often (57 percent).

f) Preferred Format

Candidates show a slight preference for receiving the updated list of polling stations in electronic format, with two in five (41 percent) finding this format most useful. One in five (21 percent) said the paper format is most useful, and another one-third (32 percent) found both formats useful.

Most Useful Format of List of Polling Stations

Text version of graph "Most Useful Format of List of Polling Stations"

  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC (30 percent), along with those not elected (22 percent) and not incumbents (23 percent), are slightly more likely to feel the paper format was most useful.
  • Candidates in Quebec (28 percent), along with French-speaking candidates (28 percent), are more likely to say the paper format was most useful.

g) Lists of Electors

During the election, candidates were provided with various lists of electors, including the preliminary lists of electors, the revised lists, and the official lists. Two-thirds (66 percent) of candidates reported using some of these lists and one-third (31 percent) did not.

The percentage of candidates using the lists provided by Elections Canada has remained roughly stable since the 2008 election, when 68 percent of candidates claimed to use the lists.

Extent of Use of Lists of Electors

Text version of graph "Extent of Use of Lists of Electors"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (73 percent), those elected (88 percent), and incumbents (88 percent) are more likely to have used the lists of electors.
  • Younger candidates (under age 35) are less likely to have used any of the lists (45 percent did not).

Of candidates who used any of the lists, two in five (42 percent) reported using the lists to identify supporters. Nearly 3 in 10 used the lists for calling electors to encourage them to vote, to offer transportation (29 percent), or for door-to-door canvassing (28 percent). Eighteen percent used the lists to conduct data matching and 6 percent used the lists for mail-outs. A further 6 percent used the lists for general campaigning purposes and voter contact. Three percent used the lists to canvass by phone, and 2 percent used them for planning and organization. Five percent reported various other uses of the lists of electors.

More candidates used the lists for calling electors in 2015 than in 2011, when 17 percent used the list for that purpose. Additionally, somewhat more candidates (28 percent) used the lists for door-to-door canvassing than in 2011, when 21 percent used the lists for that purpose.

Use for Lists of Electors

Text version of graph "Use for Lists of Electors"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (31 percent) are more likely to have used the lists to call electors to encourage them to vote or offer transportation.
  • Candidates in the Prairies are more likely than those in other regions to have used the lists for the identification of supporters (53 percent). Those in the Atlantic region are more likely to have used the lists to call electors (41 percent). Candidates in Ontario and Nunavut are more likely to have used the lists to conduct door-to-door canvassing (37 percent). Those in Quebec are more likely than those in other regions to have specified another use for the lists of electors (38 percent).

Most (62 percent) candidates who used the lists of electors prefer the electronic format of the lists. One in five (20 percent) prefer the paper format, and another 15 percent said that they appreciate both formats equally.

Preferred Format for Lists of Electors

Text version of graph "Preferred Format for Lists of Electors"

  • As with the preferred format for the list of polling stations, candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC (33 percent), along with those not elected (22 percent) and not incumbents (22 percent), are slightly more likely to feel the paper format was most useful.
  • Candidates in the Atlantic region are more likely than those in other regions to say the paper format was most useful (36 percent).
  • Younger candidates (under age 35) are more likely (77 percent) than older candidates to prefer the electronic format.

h) Satisfaction with Quality of Lists

Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of candidates who used the lists of electors were very satisfied with the overall quality of the lists, with a further 35 percent somewhat satisfied. Another one-quarter (24 percent) were neutral on the quality of the lists–neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Relatively few were dissatisfied with the lists, with 8 percent somewhat dissatisfied and 5 percent very dissatisfied.

While satisfaction with the overall quality of the list of electors is similar to the satisfaction after the 2011 election, when 58 percent were also satisfied, dissatisfaction has increased from 6 percent (4 percent somewhat dissatisfied and 2 percent very dissatisfied) to 13 percent (8 percent somewhat dissatisfied and 5 percent very dissatisfied) in the current measurement.

Satisfaction with Quality of Lists of Electors

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Quality of Lists of Electors"

  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC (43 percent very satisfied), along with those not elected (24 percent very satisfied) and not incumbents (27 percent very satisfied), are more likely to have been very satisfied with the overall quality of the lists of electors.
  • Candidates who were dissatisfied with the overall performance of Elections Canada are more likely to also have been dissatisfied with the overall quality of lists of electors (21 percent dissatisfied compared with only 8 percent dissatisfaction among those satisfied with the overall performance).

Elections Canada provided information to candidates about the quality of the preliminary lists of electors. Most candidates felt that this information was somewhat (51 percent) or very (18 percent) adequate. Fourteen percent felt that the information was not adequate (11 percent not very adequate and 3 percent not adequate at all). Three percent of candidates who used the lists of electors indicate that they did not receive the information from the returning officer; 14 percent do not know.

The percentage of candidates who found the information about the quality of the preliminary lists to be adequate has increased slightly from 64 percent in the 2011 and 2008 elections.

Adequacy of Information about Quality of Preliminary List

Text version of graph "Adequacy of Information about Quality of Preliminary List"

  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC (39 percent) are more likely than those in the House to say the information was very adequate.
  • Candidates who feel the information provided about the quality of the lists was very adequate are more likely to be very satisfied with the overall performance of Elections Canada (55 percent).
  • Those in the Atlantic region (13 percent) are more likely than those in other regions to indicate they did not receive the preliminary lists of electors from the returning officer.

i) Satisfaction with EC Protection of Privacy

Overall, 7 in 10 candidates were satisfied with the measures that Elections Canada took with the lists of electors to ensure the protection of personal information (including 27 percent somewhat satisfied and 43 percent very satisfied). A few candidates (13 percent) were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Only 2 percent were somewhat dissatisfied and another 2 percent very dissatisfied.

Satisfaction with Privacy Measures to Protect Electors

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Privacy Measures to Protect Electors"

  • Candidates who were satisfied with the overall performance of Elections Canada are also more likely to have been very satisfied with the privacy measures to protect electors (49 percent very satisfied).
  • Those in the Prairies (7 percent somewhat dissatisfied and 4 percent very dissatisfied) were less satisfied with the privacy measures than those in other regions.

j) Bingo Sheets

In total, 66 percent of candidates used the bingo sheets. Over one-third (34 percent) did not recall or did not use the bingo sheet. Of the candidates that used the bingo sheet, 7 in 10 candidates found the bingo sheet to be either very useful (41 percent) or somewhat useful (29 percent). One in six (17 percent) were neutral and another one in six felt that the bingo sheet was not very useful (6 percent) or not useful at all (8 percent).

The percentage of candidates reporting use of the bingo sheet has increased when compared with 2011 (49 percent). That said, this level of use is similar to what was reported in the 2008 election, when 67 percent of candidates said that they had used the bingo sheet. Of the candidates that used the bingo sheet, perceptions of its usefulness have remained roughly stable compared with the 2011 election (66 percent), even though both results represent a decrease when compared with the 2008 election (74 percent).

Usefulness of Bingo Sheet

Text version of graph "Usefulness of Bingo Sheet"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (42 percent), along with elected candidates (48 percent), are more likely to have found the bingo sheet very useful. Likewise, those in Quebec (45 percent) and Alberta (47 percent), as well as French-speaking candidates (46 percent), found the bingo sheets very useful.
  • Candidates who are not members of political parties represented in the HOC (68 percent), those not elected (38 percent) and those not incumbents (37 percent), along with Anglophones (39 percent) and those in Alberta and the Northwest Territories region (47 percent), are more likely to say that they do not recall or did not use the bingo sheet.

Over half of candidates who requested the bingo sheets did so on polling day (55 percent) or on advance voting days (52 percent). One-quarter (26 percent) requested the bingo sheets after polling day. Ten percent are not sure and 8 percent indicate "not applicable" (i.e., they did not read or use the bingo sheets).

Timing of Request for Bingo Sheets

Text version of graph "Timing of Request for Bingo Sheets"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (59 percent on polling day, 55 percent on advance voting day), along with elected candidates (70 percent on polling day, 65 percent on advance voting day) and incumbents (62 percent on polling day, 66 percent on advance voting day), are more likely to have requested the bingo sheets on polling day or on advance voting days.

Among those candidates who used the bingo sheets at the advance polls in particular, one-quarter (26 percent) took photos of the bingo sheets at the end of each day; over half (53 percent) did not. Five percent said that they did not know about the opportunity to photograph bingo sheets. Three percent indicated that they were told by poll staff that the possibility to take photos of the bingo sheets was not available.

Extent of Opportunity to Photograph Bingo Sheets

Text version of graph "Extent of Opportunity to Photograph Bingo Sheets"

  • Elected candidates (32 percent) and incumbents (35 percent) are more likely to say that there was a possibility to take photos of the bingo sheets.

k) EC Communications Tools

The tools provided by Elections Canada for communicating with electors were used by approximately one-third (34 percent) of candidates. Over half (58 percent) of candidates indicate they did not use any of Elections Canada's tools when communicating with electors.

Use of Elections Canada's Communications Tools with Electors

Text version of graph "Use of Elections Canada's Communications Tools with Electors"

  • Candidates who are members of political parties represented in the HOC (38 percent) are more likely to have used Elections Canada's tools when communicating with electors.

Overall, candidates were pleased with the various ways Elections Canada communicated with electors. One-quarter (24 percent) were very satisfied with the various ways Elections Canada communicated with electors, and a further one-third (34 percent) were somewhat satisfied. One-quarter (23 percent) were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Nine percent were somewhat dissatisfied and 5 percent were very dissatisfied.

Satisfaction with Elections Canada Communications with Electors

Text version of graph "Satisfaction with Elections Canada Communications with Electors"

  • Candidates who were satisfied with the way Elections Canada administered the federal election in their riding were also more likely to have been satisfied with the various ways Elections Canada communicated with electors (39 percent satisfied and 29 percent very satisfied).
  • Those in Quebec (29 percent), along with French-speaking candidates (30 percent), are more likely to have been very satisfied with the communications compared with candidates in other locations and English-speaking candidates respectively. Those in the Atlantic region were least satisfied (11 percent very dissatisfied) compared with other locations.

l) Awareness of Ready to Vote

The majority of candidates had noticed the "Ready to Vote" campaign, with three in five (60 percent) candidates recalling that they saw or heard the slogan during the election campaign. One-third (33 percent) indicated that they had not seen or heard the slogan.

Awareness of Ready to Vote Slogan

Text version of graph "Awareness of Ready to Vote Slogan"

  • Candidates who were not incumbents (62 percent, compared with 44 percent of incumbents) were more likely to have seen or heard the "Ready to Vote" slogan.
  • Female candidates (66 percent, compared with 57 percent of males), along with younger candidates under age 35 (68 percent, compared with 51 percent to 61 percent of older candidates), are also more likely to have been aware of the slogan.

2.5 Looking Forward

a) Views on Online Voting

Candidates are split in their views of online voting. While a slight majority of candidates (54 percent) support online voting, a significant minority do not agree that electors should be able to vote by using the Internet. Another 40 percent of candidates did not agree. Only a few candidates (6 percent) did not offer an opinion.

Support for online voting has risen slightly but consistently among candidates since the 2011 election, when 51 percent supported online voting, and the 2008 election, when support stood at 46 percent.

Support for Internet Voting

Text version of graph "Support for Internet Voting"

  • Candidates who were not elected (57 percent, compared with 42 percent who were elected), along with those who were not incumbents (57 percent, compared with 35 percent of incumbents), are more likely to feel that electors should be able to vote by using the Internet.
  • Female candidates (64 percent, compared with 50 percent of males), along with younger candidates under age 35 (62 percent, compared with 43 percent to 58 percent of older candidates), were also more likely to support Internet voting.

b) Suggestions for Improvements

When asked at the end of the interview, 24 percent of candidates did not provide any suggestions. Nine percent of candidates provided a suggestion related to additional training of staff in order to ensure that those at polling stations on advance polling days or election day are completely familiar with all requirements and procedures. Nine percent of candidates made suggestions about more timely or accessible information and/or easier access to Elections Canada information/website. An improved level of service offered by Elections Canada was also the theme of comments provided by 7 percent of candidates. Improvements in the accuracy of the maps and boundaries or lists of polling stations or electors were also suggested by 6 percent of candidates. Better access to information and/or better-quality information to voters about the election is the theme of comments provided by 4 percent of candidates. The ability to vote electronically and increase voter turnout are also themes suggested by 4 percent of candidates, as are comments related to the theme of better preparation for voter turnout (i.e., sufficient staff resources at polling stations for advance voting and on election day). Other suggestions are more varied and do not easily fit into a main theme capturing at least 2 percent or more of the candidates' responses.

Suggestions for Improvements

Text version of graph "Suggestions for Improvements"

  • More and better training of staff are marginally more likely to have been suggested by candidates in the Prairies and British Columbia (13 percent in each region). More accurate maps and lists is a more prominent theme among candidates in Atlantic Canada (13 percent).
  • Incumbents are also more likely to have focused on the need for more accurate lists and maps (13 percent), compared with other candidates (5 percent).


Footnote 2 Multiple mentions of individual categories under the overall groupings are counted only once in the summary.

Footnote 3 Includes candidate attendance, or other representative (campaign manager, official agent, or other).