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Survey of Electors following the December 3, 2018, By-election in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (Ontario)

Profile of Survey Respondents

Annex 1: Methodological Details

Sampling

Probability sampling was undertaken using random digit dialling (RDD). To ensure that the sample was representative, and that the results reflected the distribution of electors by age and gender, the sample frame was based on Statistics Canada census data. Respondents were randomly selected using cell phone and landline samples. The sample frame was composed of 80% cell phone numbers and 20% landline numbers in an effort to reach younger electors and to ensure cell phone-only households were included in the sampling frame. The landline sample was supplied by ASDE. The cell phone sample was supplied by Advanis (the firm responsible for data collection for this survey under subcontract to Phoenix SPI).

The same random selection process was used for both the landline and cell phone sample. In terms of the specific respondent in the household, interviewers asked to speak to an individual, 18 years of age and older or a person in the household who had the most recent birthday. If that was not the initial individual answering the telephone, but another in the household, interviewers asked to speak to the eligible respondent. No selection procedures were used for the cell phone sample.

Once an appropriate adult was reached, voter eligibility was verified by the interviewer. To be eligible for the survey, respondents had to be Canadian citizens of at least 18 years of age on polling day, and to have had an address of ordinary residence in the electoral district from the first day of revision period until election day.

A quota protocol approach to sampling was used for this survey to ensure that the younger age segments were as close as possible to the census representation for the 18 to 24 and 25- to 34-year-old population in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Ontario.

Target Interviews Completed
18 to 24 36 20
25 to 34 44 41
35 to 54 120 118
55 or older 200 211

The quota protocol came into effect on day 11 of two-week field period. In total, 342 interviews were completed before interviewers began screening for specific age groups. The rest—58 interviews—were completed with the quota protocol in place. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of interviews completed before and after the quota protocol by age segment:

Interviews completed prior to sample quotas Interviews completed with sample quotas
18 to 24 15 5
25 to 34 25 16
35 to 44 34 37
45 to 64 148 0
65 or older 120 0

Pre-test

To pre-test the questionnaire, respondents were first administered the survey and then asked a series of short follow-up questions. The debrief following the survey provided an opportunity for respondents to offer feedback on the questionnaire. The follow-up questions were:

  • What's your overall impression of the survey... was it clear and easy to understand? If not, why not?
  • Did the survey appear to be well organized? If not, why not?
  • Did any of the questions in the survey cause confusion? If so, which ones and why?
  • Could any of the questions be worded more clearly? If so, which ones and why? Do you have any suggestions to improve the way the question(s) is/are asked?
  • Do you have any other comments about the survey?

In total, 15 pre-test interviews were conducted by telephone on December 4, 2018. Respondents had the choice of participating in the official language of their choice. All interviews were completed in English. The pre-test interviews were digitally recorded and reviewed by Phoenix SPI team members and Elections Canada officials.

Overall, the questionnaire worked well. There were no problems in terms of design or respondents' comprehension of the questions. As a result, only minor changes to the programming instructions were made and notes were shared with the interviewers to improve the flow of the interview.

Data Collection

All fieldwork was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) technology. In an effort to minimize non-response bias, those who declined to complete the survey over the telephone were given the option to complete the survey online. Five respondents agreed to complete the survey online after having voter eligibility verified by the interviewer. However none of them completed the online version. In total, 400 electors were interviewed by telephone. Based on a sample of this size, the results for the electoral district can be considered accurate to within ±4.9%, 19 times out of 20.

The following specifications applied:

  • The phone and online surveys were programmed in both French and English. Calls were made in English, and respondents were offered the option to complete the survey in the official language of their choice. All 400 respondents chose to complete the survey in English.
  • Interviews averaged 12 minutes in length.
  • All survey participants were informed that their participation is voluntary, and that information collected is protected under the authority of the Privacy Act. They were also informed that the anonymized database of all responses could be shared with researchers who collaborate with Elections Canada.
  • Calling was conducted at different times of the day and the week to maximize the opportunity to establish contact.
  • Up to eight call-backs were attempted to reach potential respondents before a sample record was retired.
  • Interviewers mentioned in their introduction that the study was sponsored by Elections Canada.
  • The fieldwork was conducted December 4 to 18, 2018.

The data collection was conducted in accordance with the standards set out by the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association as well as applicable federal legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada's private-sector privacy law

Response Rate

The following table presents information about the final call dispositions for this survey and calculation of the response rate:

Landline Cell Total
Total Numbers Attempted 1,995 7,995 9,990
Out-of-scope - Invalid 497 220 717
Unresolved (U) 663 6,269 6,932
No answer/Answering machine 663 6,269 6,932
In-scope - Non-responding (IS) 590 1,033 1,623
Language barrier/illness/incapable 6 9 15
Call-back (Respondent not available) 3 2 5
Refusal (Household) 433 731 1,164
Refusal (Respondent) 148 290 438
Termination/break-off/partial complete 0 1 1
In-scope - Responding units (R) 245 473 718
Completed Interview 145 255 400
NQ - Quota Full 5 5 10
NQ - Does not qualify 82 143 225
NQ - Citizenship 1 1 2
NQ - Age 0 2 2
NQ - Not in riding 12 67 79
Response Rate 16.36% 6.08% 7.74%

The response rate formula is as follows: [R=R/(U+IS+R)]. This means that the response rate is calculated as the number of responding units [R] divided by the number of unresolved [U] numbers plus in-scope [IS] non-responding households and individuals plus responding units [R].

Survey Weighting and Non-response Bias

To produce population estimates, the survey data were weighted to accurately reflect the age and gender distribution of eligible electors in the federal riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Ontario. Specifically, the nested census populations of men and women residing in the federal electoral district who were 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–64, and 65 or older (at the time of the research) were compiled as the weighting frame. The survey results were then compared to the same age and gender proportions to generate the survey weights. Any respondents who refused to provide their age were given a neutral weight so as not to skew the weighting proportions. Weights were based on 2016 Statistics Canada census data.

The table below shows the unweighted and weighted proportions for the variables used to create the weights:

Unweighted Weighted
Base n=400 n=400
Gender
Male 53% 48%
Female 47% 52%
Age
18 to 24 5% 9%
25 to 34 10% 11%
35 to 44 13% 13%
45 to 64 42% 39%
65 or older 30% 28%

Telephone surveys of the Canadian public often under-represent younger Canadians and over-represent older Canadians. Previous by-election surveys have resulted in few 18- to 34-year-old electors in the final survey sample. As a result, the post-stratification weights have been very high for these strata of the population. To address this, a quota protocol approach to sampling was used to ensure that the younger age segments were as close as possible to the census representation for 18- to 34-year-olds in the federal riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Ontario. As the table shows, the distribution of interviews by age segment very closely matches the actual distribution of electors by age in the federal riding.

Annex 2: Survey Questionnaire

Pintro

Phone Intro

Good afternoon/evening. My name is ... and I am calling from [...], a public opinion research company. Today we are conducting a study on behalf of Elections Canada. Please be assured that we are not selling or soliciting anything.

[IF ASKED]: The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete.

[IF ASKED ABOUT THE LEGITIMACY OF THE SURVEY]: If you would like to ensure that this survey is run by Elections Canada, you can call their toll-free number at 1-800-463-6868. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

You can also contact Alethea Woods, from Phoenix Strategic Perspectives, at 613-260-1700, ext. 223.

[IF ASKED ABOUT THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST]: Calls made for the purpose of market research, polls or surveys are not considered telemarketing calls. Organizations making these types of calls are not required to register with the National Do Not Call List. The National Do Not Call List toll-free telephone number is 1-866-580-3625.

[IF ASKED ABOUT ELECTIONS CANADA]: The toll-free telephone number for Elections Canada is 1-800-463-6868. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

A. Landline Protocol

I would like to speak to the person in your household who is a Canadian citizen, is at least 18 years old, and who has had the most recent birthday. Would that be you?

IF PERSON SELECTED IS NOT AVAILABLE, ARRANGE FOR CALL BACK.

IF PERSON SELECTED IS NOT AVAILABLE OVER INTERVIEW PERIOD, ASK FOR PERSON WITH NEXT MOST RECENT BIRTHDAY AND GO TO SCR1.

IF IN DOUBT, CONFIRM WHETHER RESPONDENT WOULD LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH.

Priv

Please note that this call may be recorded for quality control or training purposes and all personal information collected will be held in strict confidence. Responses are used only for research and statistical purposes. The anonymized database of all responses may be shared with researchers who collaborate with Elections Canada.

Scr1

May I confirm that you are a Canadian citizen?

IF NO: This survey must be completed by Canadian citizens. Would there be someone in your household who is a Canadian citizen? IF YES ASK TO SPEAK TO THAT PERSON.

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2
Scr2

May I confirm that you were at least 18 years old on December 3, 2018?

IF NO: This survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who were at least 18 years old on December 3, 2018. Would there be someone in your household who was at least 18 years old on December 3, 2018? IF YES ASK TO SPEAK TO THAT PERSON.

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2
Scr3 age

In what year were you born?

  • 01
  • 00 Don't know/Refusal
Scr3B check eligibility 2015

SCR3 IS 1997

In what month and on what day were you born?

IF ASKED WHY: This is to verify whether you had been eligible to vote in a federal election prior to the December 3, 2018, by-election.

RECORD THE TWO ANSWERS

  • SCR3 = Month:
  • SCR3A = Day:
  • 00 Don't know/Refusal
Scr4 residence

Between October 31 and December 3 2018, did you live in the federal riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau* Lakes? [PRONOUNCED: REE-DOE]

IF NO: Unfortunately, this survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who lived in this riding and were eligible to vote in the December 3, 2018, by-election. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

IF ANSWERS SPONTANEOUSLY THAT LIVED IN RIDING FOR ONLY PART OF REVISION PERIOD: Unfortunately, this survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who lived in this riding for the entire revision period (October 31, 2018, through December 3, 2018), and were eligible to vote in the December 3, 2018, by-election. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

IF UNSURE: REVIEW LIST OF COMMUNITIES IN THE RIDING WITH RESPONDENT TO DETERMINE IF HE/SHE WAS A RESIDENT OF THE RIDING. IF SO, CONTINUE. IF NOT, DISCONTINUE USING LANGUAGE IN CODE 02. LIST OF COMMUNITIES ATTACHED.

IF UNSURE (2): INTERVIEWER TO USE ELECTIONS CANADA'S ONLINE VOTER INFORMATION SERVICE TO VERIFY RIDING BY POSTAL CODE (http://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/finded).

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2

B. Cell Protocol

I would like to speak to someone who is a Canadian citizen and is at least 18 years old. Does that describe you?

IF PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE, ARRANGE FOR CALL BACK.

IF PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE OVER INTERVIEW PERIOD, THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

IF IN DOUBT, CONFIRM WHETHER RESPONDENT WOULD LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH.

Priv

Thank you. Please note that this call may be recorded for quality control or training purposes and all personal information collected will be held in strict confidence. Responses are used only for statistical purposes.

Scr1

May I confirm that you are a Canadian citizen?

IF NO: This survey must be completed by Canadian citizens. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2
Scr2

May I confirm that you were at least 18 years old on December 3, 2018?

IF NO: This survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who were at least 18 years old on December 3, 2018. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2
Scr3 age

In what year were you born?

  • 01
  • 00 Don't know/Refusal
Scr3B check eligibility 2015

SCR3 IS 1997

In what month and on what day were you born?

IF ASKED WHY: This is to verify whether you had been eligible to vote in a federal election prior to the December 3, 2018, by-election.

RECORD THE TWO ANSWERS

  • SCR3 = Month:
  • SCR3A = Day:
  • 00 Don't know/Refusal
Scr4 residence

Between October 31 and December 3 2018, did you live in the federal riding of Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes?

IF NO: Unfortunately, this survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who lived in this riding and were eligible to vote in the December 3, 2018, by-election. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

IF ANSWERS SPONTANEOUSLY THAT LIVED IN RIDING FOR ONLY PART OF REVISION PERIOD: Unfortunately, this survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who lived in this riding for the entire revision period (October 31, 2018, through December 3, 2018), and were eligible to vote in the December 3, 2018, by-election. THANK AND DISCONTINUE.

IF UNSURE: REVIEW LIST OF COMMUNITIES IN THE RIDING WITH RESPONDENT TO DETERMINE IF HE/SHE WAS A RESIDENT OF THE RIDING. IF SO, CONTINUE. IF NOT, DISCONTINUE USING LANGUAGE IN CODE 02. LIST OF COMMUNITIES ATTACHED.

IF UNSURE (2): INTERVIEWER TO USE ELECTIONS CANADA'S ONLINE VOTER INFORMATION SERVICE TO VERIFY RIDING BY POSTAL CODE (http://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/finded).

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO THNK2
Q1 know election

Did you know that a federal by-election took place on December 3, 2018, in your riding?

Do not read

IF NO: confirm once again if the respondent was living in the federal district (i.e.: not just the city), using the geographic boundary description provided ("map")

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No GO TO Q8
  • 98 Don't know GO TO Q8
  • 99 Refusal GO TO Q8
Q2 voted or not

Many people don't or can't vote for a variety of reasons. This is particularly true for by-elections, where voter turnout is often much lower than in general elections. Which of the following statement describes you?

  • 01 I did not vote in the election
  • 02 I thought about voting this time but didn't vote
  • 03 I usually vote but didn't this time
  • 04 I am sure I voted in the election
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q3 reason no vote

Q2 IS 01 or 02 or 03

What is the main reason you did not vote?

Do not read – CODE 1 ANSWER

Everyday life or health reasons
  • 01 Too busy
  • 02 Out of town
  • 03 Illness or disability
Political reasons
  • 04 Not interested in politics
  • 05 Lack of information about campaign issues and parties' positions
  • 06 Did not like candidates / parties / campaign
  • 07 Felt voting would not make a difference
  • 08 Did not know who to vote for
Electoral process-related reasons
  • 09 Could not prove identity or address
  • 10 Not on voters list
  • 11 Transportation problem / polling station too far
  • 12 Lack of information about the voting process (e.g. when/where to vote)
  • 13 Lineups were too long
  • 14 Issues with the voter information card
All other reasons
  • 15 Forgot to vote
  • 16 Religious or other beliefs
  • 17 Other reason (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q3A missing ID

Q3 IS 09 (Failed ID Requirements)

Which pieces of identification or documentation were you missing?

READ IF NECESSARY – CODE UP TO 3 ANSWERS

  • 01 Document with your photo
  • 02 Document with your name
  • 03 Document with your address
  • 04 No identification pieces
  • 77 Other (specify)
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q3B out of town
Q3 IS 02 (Out of town)
Were you out of town for work or personal reasons?
  • 01 Work
  • 02 Personal reasons
  • 03 Other (specify)
  • Do not read
  • 99 Refusal

IF RESPONDENT ASKS WHY

Elections Canada is working to improve its services for electors who are out of town on voting days.

Q3C unplanned
Q3 IS 02 (out of town)

Would you say that your travel was planned or unplanned?

  • 01 Planned
  • 02 Unplanned
  • Do not read
  • 99 Refusal

IF RESPONDENT ASKS WHAT IS MEANT BY UNPLANNED

This means that the trip was not planned in advance—for example, you knew that you were leaving less than a week before you left.

IF RESPONDENT ASKS WHY WE WANT TO KNOW

Elections Canada is working to improve its services for electors who are out of town on voting days.

Q3D too busy forced choice
IF Q3 IS 01

I noted that you were too busy to vote. If you had to choose, which of the following most closely reflects your situation? Would it be...

READ; ROTATE ITEMS

  • 01 There isn't time in my normal daily schedule to vote
  • 02 Something unexpected came up and I had to change my plans
  • 03 I had other priorities that day
  • 04 Other [open-ended]
  • Do not read
  • 99 Refusal
PQ4

I would like to ask a few questions about the information you may have received in advance of the by-election.

Q4 VIC

During the campaign, did you receive a voter information card addressed to you personally and telling you where and when to vote?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q5 name on vic

Q4 IS 01

Was your name correct on the card you received?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
  • Q6 address on vic
Q4 IS 01

And was your address correct on the card?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q7 ensure registration

Q4 IS 02 OR 98 OR 99

What did you do to find out whether you were registered to vote in this by-election?

Do not read. CODE UP TO 3 ANSWERS

INTERVIEWERS: IF RESPONDENT SAYS HE/SHE WENT ONLINE / CHECKED WEBSITE (CODE 04), ALSO PROBE FOR USE OF ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION SERVICE (CODE 06).

  • 01 Did nothing
  • 02 Found out at the polling station/local Elections Canada Office
  • 03 Called 1 800 number of Elections Canada
  • 04 Consulted the Elections Canada website
  • 05 Informed the revising agent who came to my home
  • 06 Used Online Voter Registration Service on Elections Canada website
  • 07 Learned from revising agent who came to my home
  • 08 Learned from my voter information card
  • 77 Other (specify):
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
PQ8

Now, I would like to ask you a few questions about voting in the by-election...

Q8 need to be registered

To the best of your knowledge, do electors need to be registered on the list of electors to vote in a Canadian federal election?

IF ASKED: This means that your name is on the list of electors.

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q9A election day registration

IF Q8 IS 01

You are right, electors must be registered to vote in a federal election. If an elector is not registered on election day and wants to vote, can they register at the polling place and then vote immediately after?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q9B election day registration

IF Q8 IS 02 (No), 98 (Don't know) OR 99 (Refusal)

Actually, electors do need to be registered to vote in a federal election. If an elector is not registered on election day and wants to vote, can they register at the polling place and then vote immediately after?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q10

SPLIT SAMPLE 50/50

Q10A register online a

To the best of your knowledge, could electors use an online voter registration service on Elections Canada's website to check, update or complete their voter registration during the last by-election?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q10B register online b

To the best of your knowledge, is it possible for Canadian electors to check, update or complete their voter registration on Elections Canada's website?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q11 possible places to vote

At federal elections, is it possible for Canadian electors to vote... [READ ALL]

  • A At the advance polling station
  • B At the local Elections Canada office before election day
  • C By mail

Do not read

  • Yes
  • No
  • Don't know
  • Refusal

IF RESPONDENT ASKS FOR CLARIFICATION REGARDING ANSWER B "AT THE LOCAL ELECTIONS CANADA OFFICE"

Whenever there is an election, the official in charge of conducting the election in a riding opens an office. That office is open to the public for the duration of the campaign. Is it possible to vote there?

Q12 where did you vote

Q2 IS 04

Which method did you use to vote? Was it...

READ IN ORDER UNTIL RESPONDENT PROVIDES A RESPONSE – CODE ONE ANSWER ONLY

  • 01 At the polling station on election day on December 3, 2018?
  • 02 At the advance polling station (on November 23, 24, 25 or 26, 2018)?
  • 03 At the local Elections Canada office before election day?
  • 04 By mail?
  • 05 At home (if disabled)

Do not read

  • 77 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

IF RESPONDENT ASKS FOR CLARIFICATION AT ANSWER 03 "AT THE LOCAL ELECTIONS CANADA OFFICE"

Whenever there is an election, the official in charge of conducting the election in a riding opens an office. That office is open to the public for the duration of the campaign. Did you vote there before election day?

IF RESPONDENTS SAY THEY VOTED ONLINE, ASK FOR CLARIFICATION. VOTERS WITH A DISABILITY CAN REGISTER ONLINE TO RECEIVE A BALLOT IN THE MAIL WHICH CAN BE COMPLETED IN THEIR HOME AND MAILED IN. THESE MENTIONS SHOULD BE CODED AS: 05 – AT HOME.

Q13 easy to vote

Q2 IS 04

Q12 IS NOT 98 or 99

Overall, how easy was it to vote? Would you say it was...?

READ

  • 01 Very easy
  • 02 Somewhat easy
  • 03 Somewhat difficult
  • 04 Very difficult
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q14

SPLIT SAMPLE 50/50 BETWEEN Q14A and Q14B+Q15

Q14A proof id address

In order to vote at a federal election, must electors provide...

  • 01 A proof of identity
  • 02 A proof of address
  • 03 Both
  • 04 Neither
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q14B proof ID

RANDOM ROTATE Q14B WITH Q15 – PLEASE USE A FLAG VARIABLE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF 1st AND 2nd

To the best of your knowledge, do voters have to present a proof of IDENTITY in order to vote in a Canadian federal election?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q15 proof address

RANDOM ROTATE Q15 WITH Q14B – PLEASE USE A FLAG VARIABLE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF 1st AND 2nd

To the best of your knowledge, do voters have to present a proof of ADDRESS in order to vote in a Canadian federal election?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

Q1 IS 02 OR 98 or 99; GO TO PS1 (SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC)

Q12 IS 04, 05, 77, 98 OR 99; GO TO PQ28

Q2 IS 01 or 02 or 03; GO TO PQ28

Q2 IS 04

Q16 easy proof id

Overall, how easy was it to meet the identification requirements? Would you say that it was...?

Read scale. NOTE: THIS QUESTION REFERS TO RESPONDENT'S OWN EXPERIENCE

  • 01 Very easy
  • 02 Somewhat easy
  • 03 Somewhat difficult
  • 04 Very difficult
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q17 distance to poll

Was the (answer underline at Q12: 01 polling station, 02 advance polls, 03 local Elections Canada office) at a convenient distance from your home?

  • Do not read
  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q18 difficulty reaching building

INSERT BASED ON Q12 RESPONSE OF 1, 2 OR 3

1 = polling station

2 = advance polling stations

3 = local Elections Canada office

Did you have any difficulty reaching the ?

Do not read. QUESTION REFERS TO DIFFICULTY GETTING TO THE BUILDING.

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

Q18B what was difficult

Q18 IS 01

Could you briefly describe the main difficulty in reaching the (answers underlined at Q12: 01 polling station, 02 advance polling station or 03 local Elections Canada office)?

Do not read – CODE UP TO 3 ANSWERS

  • 01 Physical accessibility
  • 02 Polling station address difficult to find
  • 03 Room inside the building difficult to find
  • 04 Not enough parking
  • 05 Wrong information on my voter information card (i.e., wrong polling
  • station address)
  • 06 Imprecise signage (interior / exterior)
  • 77 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q19 building adequate

Would you say that the building where you voted was...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very suitable
  • 02 Somewhat suitable
  • 03 Not very suitable
  • 04 Not suitable at all
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q20 signage

Once inside, were there enough signs to help you find where to go for voting?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q21 bring VIC

IF Q4 IS 01

Did you bring your voter information card with you to the (answer underlined at Q12: 01 polling station, 02 advance polling station or 03 local Elections Canada office)?

Do not read. CODE ONE ANSWER ONLY

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q22 vote schedule

Do you remember approximately what time it was when you went to vote?

Do not read

IF Q12 = 01 election day

READ ONLY IF NECESSARY; CODE ONLY ONE RESPONSE

  • 01 NA: Opening hours start at 8:30 a.m.
  • 02 Between 8:30 and 9 a.m.
  • 03 Between 9 and 10 a.m.
  • 04 Between 10 and 11 a.m.
  • 05 Between 11 and noon
  • 06 Between noon and 1 p.m.
  • 07 Between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • 08 Between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • 09 Between 3 and 4 p.m.
  • 10 Between 4 and 5 p.m.
  • 11 Between 5 and 6 p.m.
  • 12 Between 6 and 7 p.m.
  • 13 Between 7 and 8 p.m.
  • 14 Between 8 and 8:30 p.m.
  • 15 NA: Closing of the polls is at 8:30 p.m.
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
IF Q12 = 02 Advance polls

READ ONLY IF NECESSARY; CODE ONLY ONE RESPONSE

  • 01 NA: Opening hours start at 12 p.m.
  • 02 NA: Opening hours start at 12 p.m.
  • 03 NA: Opening hours start at 12 p.m.
  • 04 NA: Opening hours start at 12 p.m.
  • 05 NA: Opening hours start at 12 p.m.
  • 06 Between noon and 1 p.m.
  • 07 Between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • 08 Between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • 09 Between 3 and 4 p.m.
  • 10 Between 4 and 5 p.m.
  • 11 Between 5 and 6 p.m.
  • 12 Between 6 and 7 p.m.
  • 13 Between 7 and 8 p.m. inclusively
  • 14 NA: Closing of the polls is at 8 p.m.
  • 15 NA: Closing of the polls is at 8 p.m.
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q22A weekday or weekend

IF Q12 = 03 (Local EC Office)

The local Elections Canada offices have different schedules on different days. Do you remember if you voted on a weekday or on a weekend?

Do not read

  • 01 Weekday
  • 02 Weekend
  • 99 Refusal

IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT REMEMBER, CODE UNDER WEEKDAY.

IF Q22A = 01 or 99 (Weekday or Refusal)

READ ONLY IF NECESSARY; CODE ONLY ONE RESPONSE

  • 01 NA: Opening hours start at 9 a.m.
  • 02 NA: Opening hours start at 9 a.m.
  • 03 Between 9 and 10 a.m.
  • 04 Between 10 and 11 a.m.
  • 05 Between 11 and noon
  • 06 Between noon and 1 p.m.
  • 07 Between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • 08 Between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • 09 Between 3 and 4 p.m.
  • 10 Between 4 and 5 p.m.
  • 11 Between 5 and 6 p.m.
  • 12 Between 6 and 7 p.m.
  • 13 Between 7 and 8 p.m.
  • 14 Between 8 and 9 p.m.
  • 15 NA: Closing of the polls is at 9 p.m.
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
IF Q22A = 02 Weekend

READ ONLY IF NECESSARY; CODE ONLY ONE RESPONSE

  • 01 NA: Opening hours start at 9 a.m.
  • 02 NA: Opening hours start at 9 a.m.
  • 03 Between 9 and 10 a.m.
  • 04 Between 10 and 11 a.m.
  • 05 Between 11 and noon
  • 06 Between noon and 1 p.m.
  • 07 Between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • 08 Between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • 09 Between 3 and 4 p.m.
  • 10 Between 4 and 5 p.m.
  • 11 Between 5 and 6 p.m.
  • 12 NA: Closing of the polls is at 6 p.m.
  • 13 NA: Closing of the polls is at 6 p.m.
  • 14 NA: Closing of the polls is at 6 p.m.
  • 15 NA: Closing of the polls is at 6 p.m.
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q23 vote duration

To the best of your knowledge, how long did it take you to vote AT THE...Q12: 01 polling station, 02 advance polling station or 03 local Elections Canada office? This does not include travel time.

Do not read; RECORD TIME IN MINUTES

  • 01 [Open-ended question]
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q24 reasonable time

Would you say that this was a reasonable amount of time?

Do not read. QUESTION REFERS TO TIME SPENT TO VOTE

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q25 official language

Voters can choose to be served in either official language, English or French. In which language were you served?

Do not read. CODE ONE ANSWER ONLY

  • 01 English
  • 02 French
  • 03 In both official languages (English and French)
  • 04 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q26 satisfied language

Were you satisfied with the official language in which you were served?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes, satisfied
  • 02 No, not satisfied
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q27 satisfied services

Overall, how satisfied were you with the services provided by Elections Canada staff when you voted? Would you say that they were...?

READ. QUESTION REFERS TO SERVICES PROVIDED BY ELECTIONS CANADA STAFF PRESENT AT THE Q12: 01 polling station, 02 advance polling station or 03 local Elections Canada office

  • 01 Very satisfied
  • 02 Somewhat satisfied
  • 03 Somewhat dissatisfied
  • 04 Very dissatisfied
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q27B – why dissatisfied

IF Q27 IS 03 OR 04

Is there a specific reason why you were not satisfied with the services provided by Elections Canada staff?

[open-ended]

[IF ASKED ABOUT COMPLAINTS MECHANISMS]: If you would like to lodge a complaint with Elections Canada, you can call their toll-free number at 1-800-463-6868. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). You can also use the contact form on their website, at www.elections.ca and click on Contact us on the right-hand corner.

PQ28

I would now like to ask you some questions about the level of information that you received during this by-election...

Q28 well informed

Overall, how well informed did you feel you were about how, when and where to vote? Would you say that you were...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very informed
  • 02 Somewhat informed
  • 03 Somewhat uninformed
  • 04 Very uninformed
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

Q29 SPLIT SAMPLE 50/50 BETWEEN Q29A and Q29B to Q29D

Q29A EC advertising

During the election period, did you see, hear or read any advertising or communications from Elections Canada about how, when and where to vote in the by-election on December 3, 2018?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q29B to D advertising alternative

Please tell me if you have seen or heard any of the following during the by-election campaign.

Q29B

Communications by political parties and candidates, for example outdoor signs, radio or TV commercials.

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q29C

Media coverage of the by-election, for example reports on the news or interviews with candidates.

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q29D

I would now like to ask specifically about advertising from Elections Canada. Have you seen or heard communications from Elections Canada about how, when and where to vote in the by-election?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q30 where advertising

Q29A IS 01 OR Q29D is 01

Where did you see, hear or read advertising from Elections Canada?

Do not read. SELECT ALL THAT APPLY (MULTIPLE MENTIONS). IF RESPONDENT SAYS "INTERNET," PROBE FOR SPECIFIC WEBSITES OR SOCIAL MEDIA. IF RESPONDENT SAYS "SOCIAL MEDIA," PROBE FOR SPECIFIC MEDIA.

  • 01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
  • 02 Voter information card (received in the mail addressed to the elector)
  • 03 Radio
  • 04 Screens in a Tim Hortons
  • 05 Newspaper
  • 06 Elections Canada website
  • 07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
  • 08 Facebook
  • 09 Twitter
  • 10 YouTube
  • 11 Instagram
  • 12 Website other than Elections Canada website
  • 13 From candidates and political parties
  • 14 Television
  • 97 Other source, please specify
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q31 EC website

Did you visit Elections Canada's website during the campaign?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q32 satisfied EC website

Q31 IS 01

Overall, how satisfied were you with the information on Elections Canada's website? Would you say that you were...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very satisfied
  • 02 Somewhat satisfied
  • 03 Somewhat dissatisfied
  • 04 Very dissatisfied
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q33 contact EC

Did you contact Elections Canada during the campaign?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q34 satisfied contact EC

Q33 IS 01

Overall, how satisfied were you with the information provided when you contacted Elections Canada? Would you say that you were... ?

Read scale

  • 01 Very satisfied
  • 02 Somewhat satisfied
  • 03 Somewhat dissatisfied
  • 04 Very dissatisfied
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q35 satisfied voting

Q2 IS 04

SPLIT SAMPLE RANDOM ROTATE Q35A AND Q35B – PLEASE USE A FLAG VARIABLE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF 1st AND 2nd

Q35A Bipolar

Overall, how satisfied were you with your voting experience? Would you say that you were...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very satisfied
  • 02 Somewhat satisfied
  • 03 Somewhat dissatisfied
  • 04 Very dissatisfied
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q35B Unipolar

Overall, how satisfied were you with your voting experience? Would you say that you were...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very satisfied
  • 02 Somewhat satisfied
  • 03 Not very satisfied
  • 04 Not satisfied at all
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

SPLIT SAMPLE 50/50 AS FOLLOWS:

  1. Split sample Q36A and Q36B
  2. Split sample Q37A and Q37B
  3. Randomize the order of those two questions; half get Q36 first and half get Q37 first

PLEASE USE A FLAG VARIABLE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF THE SPLIT AND THE ORDER OF THE SPLIT (Q36 FIRST OR Q37 FIRST).

Q36A ran fairly this by-election

Thinking about the December 3, 2018, federal by-election, would you say that Elections Canada ran the election...?

EMPHASIZE "ELECTIONS CANADA"

Read scale

  • 01 Very fairly
  • 02 Somewhat fairly
  • 03 Somewhat unfairly
  • 04 Very unfairly
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q36B ran fairly general

Thinking about federal by-elections in general, would you say that Elections Canada runs elections...?

EMPHASIZE "ELECTIONS CANADA"

Read scale

  • 01 Very fairly
  • 02 Somewhat fairly
  • 03 Somewhat unfairly
  • 04 Very unfairly
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q36C why not trust

Q36A or 36B IS 03 or 04

Is there a specific reason as to why you think Elections Canada runs the election unfairly?

Do not read

  • 01 [Open-ended question]
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q37A trust results

What level of trust do you have in the accuracy of the election results in your riding? Is it...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very high
  • 02 Somewhat high
  • 03 Somewhat low
  • 04 Very low
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q37 B trust results with intro

At the end of a federal election, poll workers in each riding count ballots by hand and report the results to Elections Canada. What level of trust do you have in the accuracy of the election results? Is it...?

Read scale

  • 01 Very high
  • 02 Somewhat high
  • 03 Somewhat low
  • 04 Very low
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Q37C why not trust

Q37A or Q37B IS 03 or 04

Is there a specific reason as to why your level of trust is low when it comes to the accuracy of the election results in your riding?

Do not read

  • 01 [Open-ended question]
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
PS1

Before ending, I would like to ask you a few questions about you and your household for statistical purposes only. Please be assured that your answers will remain completely confidential.

S1 gender

For the purposes of this survey, could you please indicate your gender?

Do not read.

  • 01 Male
  • 02 Female
  • 97 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S2 language

What language do you speak most often at home? READ LIST.

  • 01 English
  • 02 French
  • 77 Other:
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S3 ethnic

Could you please tell me your ethnic background? For example, White / Caucasian, Asian, African, Latin American, etc.

Do not read. ACCEPT ONLY ONE REPLY; USE 97 FOR MIXED / MULTIPLE ETHNICITIES.

Group Includes
01 White / Caucasian
  • English-Canadian
  • French-Canadian
  • Quebecois and non-visible minority (includes English, Irish, Scottish, German, French, Italian)
02 Chinese
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Taiwan
03 East Asian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
04 South Asian / East Indian
  • Bangladeshi,
  • Bengali,
  • Bruneian,
  • Gujarati,
  • East Indian,
  • Indo Pakistani,
  • Mauritian,
  • Mayotte,
  • Mongolian,
  • Pakistani,
  • Punjabi,
  • Singhalese,
  • Sri Lankan,
  • Tamil
05 South East Asian
  • Vietnamese
  • Cambodian,
  • Malaysian
  • Laotian
  • Indonesian
  • Singaporean
  • Burmese
  • Kampuchean
  • Thai
06 Filipino
07 Black (Africa, Caribbean)
  • Angolan,
  • Anguillan,
  • Antiguan,
  • Aruba/Netherlands Antilles,
  • Bahamian,
  • Barbadian,
  • Belizean,
  • Beninese,
  • Bermudan,
  • Botswanan,
  • Burkinabe,
  • Burundian,
  • Cameroonian,
  • Cape Verde Islands,
  • Cayman Islands,
  • Central African,
  • Chadian,
  • Comoros Islands,
  • Congolais,
  • Dominican,
  • Equatorial Guinean,
  • Ethiopian,
  • Gabonese,
  • Gambian,
  • Ghanaian,
  • Grenadian,
  • Guadeloupian,
  • Guinean,
  • Guinea-Bissauan,
  • Guyanese,
  • Haitian,
  • Ivorian,
  • Jamaican,
  • Kenyan,
  • Lesothan,
  • Liberian,
  • Malagasy,
  • Malawian,
  • Malian,
  • Martinican / French
  • Guiana,
  • Montserratan,
  • Mozambican,
  • Namibian,
  • Nevisitian,
  • Nigerois,
  • Nigerian,
  • Rwandan,
  • Vicentian / Grenadines,
  • Saint Lucian,
  • Senegalese,
  • Trinidadian,
  • Tobagonian,
  • West Indian,
  • other Caribbean,
  • other African
08 Latin American
  • All Central and South American countries,
  • Mexico,
  • Cuba,
  • Puerto Rico.
09 West Asian / North African / Arab
  • Afghan,
  • Algerian,
  • Armenian,
  • Bahrain,
  • Bhutanese,
  • Egyptian,
  • Iranian,
  • Iraqi,
  • Israeli,
  • Jordanian,
  • Kurdish,
  • Kuwaiti,
  • Lebanese,
  • Libyan,
  • Maghrebi origins,
  • Mauritanian,
  • Moroccan,
  • Nepalese,
  • Omani,
  • Palestinian,
  • Yemenite,
  • Saudi Arabian,
  • Syrian,
  • Turk
10 Pacific Islands
  • Fijian,
  • Melanesian,
  • Micronesian,
  • Polynesian,
  • Tongan,
  • Tuvaluan,
  • Wake Island,
  • Samoan,
  • American Samoa,
  • Coral Sea Islands Territory,
  • Kiribatian,
  • Nauruan,
  • Norfolk Island,
  • Northern Mariana Island,
  • Tokelau,
  • Pitcairn Islands,
  • Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,
  • Vanuatuan,
  • Wallis and Futuna Islands,
  • Cook Islands,
  • Johnston Atoll,
  • Guam,
  • Midway Islands,
  • New Caledonian
11 Indigenous
  • First Nations / Métis / Inuit
97 Other visible minorities or mixed ethnicity, please specify RECORD
98 Don't know
99 Refusal

SPLIT SAMPLE 50/50

S4A visible minority a

Are you a member of a visible minority group?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal

IF THE RESPONDENT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS: Under the Employment Equity Act, visible minorities are people, other than Indigenous peoples, who are not white or Caucasian.

S4B visible minority b

Do you consider yourself to be a member of a visible minority group?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S5 country birth

In what country were you born?

INTERVIEWER: Specify place of birth according to current boundaries.

United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland

Do not read – ONE ANSWER ONLY

  • 01 Canada GO TO S6
  • 02 China
  • 03 Germany
  • 04 India
  • 05 Italy
  • 06 Philippines
  • 07 Poland
  • 08 Portugal
  • 09 United Kingdom
  • 10 United States
  • 11 Vietnam
  • 97 Other (SPECIFY:)
  • 98 Don't know GO TO S6
  • 99 Refusal GO TO S6
S6 year arrived canada

S5 IS NOT 01 CANADA

In what year did you come to live in Canada?

RECORD 4-DIGIT YEAR

Do not read

  • 01 <YEAR>
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S7 DEMOCRACY in home country

S5 IS NOT 01 CANADA

Thinking about your country of origin at the time that you left, would you say that this country was... READ LIST

  • 01 Very democratic
  • 02 Somewhat democratic
  • 03 Not very democratic
  • 04 Not democratic at all
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S8 education

What is the highest level of education that you have reached?

Do not read – Code one only

  • 01 Some elementary
  • 02 Completed elementary
  • 03 Some high school
  • 04 Completed high school
  • 05 Some community college/vocational/trade school/commercial/CEGEP
  • 06 Completed community college/vocational/trade school/ commercial/ CEGEP
  • 07 Some university (No degree or diploma obtained)
  • 08 Completed university (Diploma or bachelor degree)
  • 09 Post-graduate university/professional school (Master's, PhD, or any
  • professional degree)
  • 77 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S9 occupation

How would you describe your current employment status?

IF RESPONDENT IS UNCLEAR ABOUT THE QUESTION

Are you, for example, employed, retired, in school, unable to work? This includes part-time and temporary occupations.

Do not read SCALE, code up to 2 responses

PROBE AS NEEDED TO CONFIRM WHETHER THE RESPONDENT IS EMPLOYED OR SELF-EMPLOYED.

  • 01 Employed full-time, (35 or more hours per week)
  • 02 Employed part-time, (less than 35 hours per week)
  • 03 Self-employed full-time, (35 or more hours per week)
  • 04 Self-employed part-time, (less than 35 hours per week)
  • 05 Retired
  • 06 A full-time student
  • 07 A part-time student
  • 08 Unemployed, but looking for work (includes seasonal leave)
  • 09 Permanently unable to work (long-term disability)
  • 10 Temporarily not working [includes absence due to illness, parental leave, short-term disability, vacation or labour dispute]
  • 11 A homemaker or caregiver
  • 12 Other
S10 disability functional

How often do you have to limit your daily activities due to a physical condition, to pain or to a mental health issue? READ LIST

  • 01 Never
  • 02 Sometimes
  • 03 Often
  • 04 Always
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S11 disability ID

Do you identify as having a disability?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S12 marital

What is your marital status? Are you...

READ IN ORDER UNTIL RESPONDENT PROVIDES A RESPONSE – CODE ONE ANSWER ONLY

  • 01 Married
  • 02 Living common-law
  • 03 Widowed
  • 04 Separated
  • 05 Divorced
  • 06 Single, never married
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S13 household size

Including yourself, how many people usually live in your household?

Do not read

  • 01
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S14 kids

S13 IS 2 OR MORE

Are you the parent or guardian of any child under 5 years of age living at home with you?

Do not read

  • 01 Yes
  • 02 No
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S15 income

Which of the following categories best corresponds to the total annual family income, before taxes, of all members in your household, for 2017?

EMPHASIZE FOCUS ON TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME.

Read in Sequence – Code one only

  • 01 Below $30,000 
  • 02 $30,000 to just under $60,000
  • 03 $60,000 to just under $90,000
  • 04 $90,000 to just under $110,000
  • 05 $110,000 and over
  • Do not read
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S16 vote 2015

SCR3 IS MORE THAN 1900 AND LESS THAN 1997 OR SCR3 IS 1997 AND SCR3B IS LESS OR EQUAL TO October 19, 2015 OR SCR3 IS 00 OR SCR3B IS 00

Finally, we would like to know if you voted in the October 19, 2015, federal general election?

Do not read

  • 01 YES
  • 02 No
  • 77 Other (specify)
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
S17 postal code

And to help us better understand how results vary by region, may I have your postal code?

PROBE FOR FIRST THREE DIGITS IF REFUSAL

  • 01
  • 98 Don't know
  • 99 Refusal
Think

That completes the survey. Thank you for taking part. Your participation is appreciated.

Think2

Not eleigible to complete survey

Thank you for your cooperation! Based on the information you have provided, unfortunately you are not eligible to complete the remainder of this survey.