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Fact sheet: 45th general election – Adjusting the ballot counting process for a potential increase in voter turnout

Given that voter turnout for the 45th general election (GE45) may be higher than usual, Elections Canada is making adjustments to ensure that preliminary results are available as soon as possible on election night. We are adding workers where and when possible and will start counting some ballots early.

As always, Elections Canada's priority is to ensure that the integrity of the counting process is protected and that the count is accurate. The process is witnessed by scrutineers (usually candidates' representatives), who watch as election workers count the paper ballots.

Adjustments for GE45

To ensure that results are available as soon as possible on election night, Elections Canada is making the following adjustments:

Type of ballots Ballot counting information

Ballots cast at polling places on election day

Workers will count the ballots after polls close.

Adjustment for GE45:

  • Additional workers will be on standby to react early if there are issues

Ballots cast at advance polls

Workers will count the ballots at the local Elections Canada office.

Adjustments for GE45:

Special ballots in local Elections Canada offices (from electors who voted in their electoral district)

Workers in each local office will count the ballots after polls close.

Adjustments for GE45:

  • Elections Canada has a plan for each location, based on the number of special ballots issued.
  • The local returning officer will determine when on election day to start the verification of the outer envelopes containing the special ballots. The counting of special ballots will begin once the polls close.
  • Additional teams will be deployed to assist with the count.

Special ballots in Ottawa (from electors who voted outside their electoral district and from Canadians living overseas)

More than 110 special ballot officers have been hired to count these special ballots.

Elections Canada has the capacity to count 55,000 ballots per day at its Ottawa location.

93,501 ballots have already been counted.

Additional space and equipment (tables, chairs, tools, etc.) are ready in case additional counting teams are needed.