Guide to the federal election – 44th General Election – September 20, 2021

Your health and safety is our priority

At your polling station, poll workers will be wearing masks. There will also be:

• Hand sanitizer stations
• Clear physical distancing markers
• Only one poll worker per desk behind a plexiglass barrier

When you go vote, don't forget:

• Wear a mask
• We will provide you with a single-use pencil to mark your ballot, or you can bring your own pen or pencil
• Practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres away from voters and poll workers

If you have tested positive for or have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus, visit elections.ca to apply to vote by mail.

This brochure is available in multiple languages at elections.ca.

For other formats, such as braille, large print and DAISY, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

The federal election is on Monday, September 20, 2021

Did you get your voter information card in the mail?

To register and vote in the federal election, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be at least 18 years old on election day
• prove your identity and address

Ways to vote

You can vote almost any time during the election period. Choose the voting option that works best for you.

Check your voter information card for where and when you can vote.

1. On election day
   • Monday, September 20

   Your assigned polling station will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by province).

2. On advance polling days
   • Friday, September 10
   • Saturday, September 11
   • Sunday, September 12
   • Monday, September 13

   Your assigned polling station will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3. By mail

   Apply by Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. You will vote using the special ballot process. Make sure we receive your marked ballot by election day, or it cannot be counted. Visit elections.ca for more information on deadlines and to see if voting by mail is the right choice for you.

4. At any Elections Canada office across Canada

   Go to any Elections Canada office across Canada before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. You will vote using the special ballot process. To find the Elections Canada office nearest you, visit elections.ca or call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

Once you apply to vote by mail, you can't change your mind and vote at advance polls or on election day.

Have your ID ready to vote

You have three options to prove your identity and address.

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on election day.

• Option 1

  Show one of these pieces of ID

  • your driver's licence
  • any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with your photo, name and current address

  Or

• Option 2

  Show two pieces of ID

  Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address.

  Examples:

  • voter information card and bank statement
  • utility bill and student ID card

  Don't have these? No problem!

  There are other accepted pieces of ID. Check out the full list at elections.ca.

  Or

• Option 3

  If you don't have ID

  You can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you.

  The voucher must prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).

 

Voting assistance tools and services

If you have concerns about the accessibility of your assigned polling station, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

To request voting assistance in advance, including language and sign language interpretation, call the Elections Canada office in your riding before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m.

Voting assistance tools and services on election day

Note: Braille lists of candidates are only available on election day. Large print is available on advance polling days and on election day.