How To Vote In Canada’s Federal Election As A New Citizen

On This Page You Will Find:

• Who can vote as a new Canadian
• How to register to vote in Canada
• What ID you need to vote
• Where and when to vote
• Support in your language
• Frequently asked questions

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Voting in Canada as a New Citizen

As a new Canadian citizen, you’ve earned one of the most important rights in a democracy – the right to vote in federal elections.

This guide will help you understand the voting process step by step, so you can participate confidently and have your voice heard.

Who Are the Main Candidates?

In Canada’s federal elections, you don’t vote directly for a prime minister. Instead, you vote for a Member of Parliament (MP) in your local riding.

The political party with the most elected MPs usually forms the government, and their leader becomes the Prime Minister.

Here are the main federal political parties and their leaders:

1. Liberal Party of Canada – Mark Carney

Mark Carney is the new leader of the Liberal Party, traditionally a centrist party that supports immigration, public healthcare, climate action, and social spending. The Liberals have formed government most often in Canada’s history. Under past leadership, they introduced the Canada Child Benefit, legalized cannabis, and welcomed record numbers of immigrants. Carney is a former governor of the Bank of Canada and is widely seen as experienced in global finance and public policy.

2. Conservative Party of Canada – Pierre Poilievre

Pierre Poilievre leads the Conservative Party, which focuses on lower taxes, reducing government spending, economic growth, and law and order. The Conservatives often appeal to voters who are worried about inflation, high housing costs, and government accountability. Poilievre has been critical of recent immigration targets and supports streamlining the process for skilled workers.

3. New Democratic Party (NDP) – Jagmeet Singh

The NDP is a progressive party that focuses on affordability, healthcare, workers’ rights, and climate justice. Jagmeet Singh is the first racialized leader of a major federal party and is popular among younger voters. The NDP often holds the balance of power in minority governments.

4. Bloc Québécois – Yves-François Blanchet

The Bloc only runs candidates in Quebec and supports Quebec’s interests within Canada. The party is focused on protecting the French language, Quebec’s autonomy, and progressive social policies.

5. Green Party of Canada – Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault

The Green Party focuses primarily on the environment, climate change, and sustainability. Elizabeth May, a long-time environmental advocate, now co-leads the party with Jonathan Pedneault.

Who Can Vote?

You can vote in a Canadian federal election if you meet three key requirements:

1. You are a Canadian citizen. This includes naturalized citizens who received citizenship through immigration.
2. You are at least 18 years old on election day.
3. You can prove your identity and address.

Permanent residents (PRs) and refugee claimants cannot vote unless they become Canadian citizens.

If you became a citizen after the last federal election, you are now eligible to vote in the upcoming one.

How to Register to Vote in Canada

Being registered means you’ll receive your Voter Information Card (VIC), which tells you where and when to vote. If you’re not registered, you might not receive it – but you can still vote.

Ways to Register:

1. Online
   Visit ereg.elections.ca to check, update or complete your registration. You’ll need some ID or documents to confirm your name, birth date, and address.
2. By Mail
   You can request a registration form by calling Elections Canada. This option is useful if you prefer paper forms or have no internet access.
3. At an Elections Canada Office
   Bring proper ID and register in person during the election period.
4. At Your Polling Place
   If you’re not registered by election day, no problem. You can register at the polling station before you vote. Bring valid ID showing your name and address.

In the 2021 federal election, 14% of new Canadians registered right before voting. You won’t be turned away if you haven’t registered yet.

What ID Do You Need?

To vote, you must prove your identity and address. You have several options:

Option 1: One piece of government-issued ID

Must include your name, photo, and current address

Example: Driver’s licence or provincial/territorial ID card

Option 2: Two pieces of ID

• Both must have your name
• At least one must have your address

Example:

• Health card (name only) + a utility bill (name and address)
• Passport (name only) + lease agreement (name and address)

Option 3: Someone can vouch for you

Another registered voter from your polling station can vouch for your address. They must show proper ID and take an oath.

Where and When to Vote

You have four main options to vote in a federal election:

1. Election Day Voting

This is the main voting day. You’ll go to your assigned polling station – usually in your neighbourhood – between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

2. Advance Voting

Can’t make it on election day? Vote early! Advance polls are open for four days, usually from 9am to 9pm. These are less crowded and often more convenient.

3. Voting by Mail

You can apply to vote by mail. Elections Canada will send you a special ballot kit. You must return it before the deadline, so apply early.

4. Vote at an Elections Canada Office

You can vote in person at any Elections Canada office before the election deadline. This is available for weeks leading up to election day.

Your Voter Information Card will tell you where and when to vote. If you don’t receive one, contact Elections Canada or check online.

Support in Your Language

Many new Canadians speak languages other than English or French. Elections Canada makes voting more accessible by offering help in over 200 languages.

Language Support Includes:

• Election guides in more than 30 languages (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu)
• Phone interpretation – Call 1-800-463-6868 and ask for help in your language
• In-person interpretation for sign language (must be requested in advance)
• Community Relations Officers – These officers are specially trained to support new Canadians and provide helpful information

First-Time Voting Experience

Many new citizens feel nervous the first time they vote. That’s normal. But after voting, most say it’s easy, fair, and smooth.

• 91% of new Canadians in 2021 said voting was easy
• 85% were satisfied with the service from Elections Canada staff
• New Canadians trust the system – 71% had high confidence in how Elections Canada runs elections

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FAQ: Voting in Canada as a New Citizen