What can you do if you cannot vote on election day?
- Ask a friend to vote twice
- Nothing; you lose your vote
- Vote at an advance poll or by special ballot
- Vote by text message
Answer: Vote at an advance poll or by special ballot
If you cannot or do not want to vote on election day, you can vote at an advance poll or by special ballot. The dates and locations are printed on your voter information card.
Learn more: How to vote, step by step
- Step 1: Electors in the National Register of Electors receive a voter information card, which confirms they are on the voters’ list and says when and where to vote.
- Step 2: If you do not get a card, call your local elections office to make sure you are on the voters’ list. If you do not have the number, call Elections Canada in Ottawa at 1-800-463-6868.
- Step 3: If you cannot or do not wish to vote on election day, vote at an advance poll or by special ballot. Dates and locations are on your card.
- Step 4: On election day, go to the polling station shown on your card. Bring the card and proof of your identity and address.
- Step 5: The paper you vote on is the ballot. Mark an “X” in the circle next to the name of the candidate you choose.
- Step 6: Your vote is secret. You mark the ballot behind a screen, fold it and present it to the poll officials.
- Step 7: The poll official tears off the ballot number and gives the ballot back to you, and you put it in the ballot box.
- Step 8: When the polls close, every ballot is counted and the results are made public on television and on www.elections.ca.