The 36-Day Election Calendar
The government is responsible for calling federal elections and by-elections. An election period must be a minimum of 36 days and a maximum of 50 days.
Day | Activity |
---|---|
Ongoing | Registration. Electors can check, update or complete their registration online. |
Day 36 | The election period begins.Electors can apply to vote by mail and the revision of the lists of electors begins. |
Day 34 | Local Elections Canada offices open. Electors can register and vote there. Candidates can start filing their nomination papers. |
Day 33 | The preliminary lists of electors are sent to parties and candidates. The spending limits for third parties, and preliminary spending limits for registered parties and candidates are available. |
Days 26 to 24 | Voter information cards are mailed to registered electors. The cards say when and where to vote, and show the accessibility of polling places. |
Day 21 | Candidates have until 2:00 p.m. local time to submit their nomination papers. |
Day 19 | The lists of candidates are available. |
Day 17 | A Guide to the Federal Election is mailed to all households. The preliminary spending limit is available for each individual party. It is based on the number of confirmed candidates. |
Day 16 | The revised lists of electors are sent to parties and candidates. |
Days 10 to 7 | Advance polls are open from 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. local time. ID is required to vote. |
Day 7 | The final spending limits for parties and candidates are available. |
Day 6 | 6:00 p.m. Registration closes until election day. It is also the deadline to apply to vote by mail or at an Elections Canada office. |
Day 5 | The official (polling day) lists of electors are sent to returning officers, candidates and political parties. |
Day 5 to 0 | Unregistered electors can complete a registration certificate online, print it and bring it to their polling station on election day for faster service. |
Day 0 | Election day. ID is required to vote. Voting hours vary across the country. Electors can register at the polls. The deadline to receive mail-in ballots at Elections Canada headquarters is 6:00 p.m. The preliminary results are provided throughout the evening. |
Days -1 to -7 | Returning officers validate the results. |