Voting and elections for new citizens

Who can vote in federal elections

• You are a Canadian citizen
• You are 18 or older on election day
• You prove your identity and address when you vote

Permanent residents can’t vote in federal, provincial or territorial elections.

Registering to vote

You can register or update your information online with Elections Canada at any time, or when you vote. Registered voters get a voter information card in the mail before an election, telling them where and when to vote.

Ways to vote

• On election day at your assigned polling station
• At advance polls, held on the 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th days before election day
• Early, at any Elections Canada office during an election
• By mail with a special ballot, which you must apply for by the deadline

ID you need

You must show proof of identity and address, such as a driver’s licence, or two pieces of accepted ID. If you don’t have accepted ID, you may still be able to vote by declaring your identity and address in writing and having someone assigned to your polling station vouch for you. Elections Canada keeps the full list of accepted ID.

Provincial, territorial and municipal elections

Each province and territory runs its own elections, with its own voter lists, rules and ID requirements. Municipal elections are run by local or provincial authorities. Use the list of provincial and territorial election agencies (opens in a new tab) to find yours.