Site MenuSurvey of Electors Following the 42nd General Election
APPENDIX A: Questionnaire
Introduction
Good afternoon/evening. My name is ... and I am calling on behalf of Elections Canada from Malatest & Associates, a public opinion research company. Today we are conducting a study on the services Elections Canada provides. Please be assured that we are not selling or soliciting anything.
I would like to speak to the youngest person in your household who was at least 18 years of age on October 19, 2015, and is a Canadian citizen. Would that be you?
If no – Ask for this person and repeat intro
IF YES – Would you like to complete the survey with me now? It should take no more than 20 minutes to complete.
[If asked about length]: The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete.
[If asked about purpose]: The purpose of the study is to measure public attitudes and knowledge about Elections Canada's services, as well as to obtain electors' opinions about their experiences during the last federal election.
[If asked about eligibility]: An elector is anyone who is eligible to vote in a Canadian federal election, that is a person who is a Canadian citizen and 18 years old on polling day.
[If asked national survey registration system]: The registration system has been created by the Canadian survey research industry to allow the public to verify that a survey is legitimate, get information about the survey industry or register a complaint. The registration system toll-free telephone number is 1-888-602-6742 ext. 8728.
[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]: You may contact Elections Canada by phone. 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).
If person selected is not available, arrange for call-back.
If person selected is not available over interview period, ask for another person 18 years of age or older and repeat intro.
If in doubt, confirm whether respondent would like to be interviewed in English or French.
Read to all:
- Yes I would like to complete the survey – "READ: Thank you. Please remember there are no right or wrong answers to our questions. Responses are used only for statistical purposes. All information collected through the survey will be held in strict confidence and is subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act regarding access to and the protection of personal information. Please note that this call may be recorded for training purposes."
- No – arrange for call-back
Screening questions
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 (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
SCR2. May I confirm that you were at least 18 years old on October 19, 2015?
If no: This survey must be completed by Canadian citizens who were at least 18 years old on October 19, 2015. Would there be someone in your household who was at least 18 years old on October 19, 2015? If yes ask to speak to that person.
01 Yes
02 No (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
SCR3. In what year were you born?
01 [Open-ended reply; must enter four-digit year]
99 Refusal (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
If SCR3= 1997 or later, ask Y1
Y1. You mentioned that you were born in [SCR3]. In order for us to determine when you became eligible to vote, we would like to know your date of birth
If asked why: "This is to verify when you became eligible to vote"
Record the two answers
Y1A ____ <Month 01 to 12>
98 Don't know (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
99 Refusal (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
Y1B ____ <Day 01 to 31>
98 Don't know (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
99 Refusal (End of questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
Notes for programming:
IF < 18 YEARS on October 19, 2015 - End survey; code as non-qualifier
SCR3B. Unfortunately you do not qualify for the survey at this time. Thank you for your time.
01 End Survey, Code as Non-Qualifier
IF > 18 YEARS on October 19, 2015, continue survey.
If SCR=1980, ask Y2
Y2. You mentioned you were born in [SCR3]. In order for us to determine whether you fall into our youth category, we would like to know your date of birth."IF ASK WHY: "We are studying for differences between youth electors (those aged 18-34) and the rest of the electorate."
Record the two answers
Y2A ____ <Month 01 to 12>
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Y2B ____ <Day 01 to 31>
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Notes for programming:
IF > 18 YEARS on October 19, 2015 and < 35 years on October 19, 2015, code YOUTH=01 ("Aged 18-34").
IF ≥ 35 YEARS on October 19, 2015, code YOUTH=02 ("25 and older").
IF respondent refuses to provide date of birth for Y2, code YOUTH=99 ("Refusal").
*Note for programming: We are going to apply a consistent set of screening rules for both oversample batches. If batch=3 or 4, respondent must either be Aboriginal, youth, or foreign-born. We are taking this approach to maximize completions from the oversample.*
-If BATCH=03 (Aboriginal oversample) or BATCH=04 (Foreign-born oversample), ask:
SCR4. Were you born in Canada or another country?"
Note: If they refuse, code case as non-qualifier
01 Born in another country
02 Born in Canada
99 Refusal
Note for programming: IF SCR4=01, code FOREIGN_BORN=01 ("Born outside of Canada"). IFSCR4=02, code FOREIGN_BORN=02 ("Born in Canada"). IF SCR4=99, code FOREIGN_BORN=99 ("Refusal").
Section 1: General
1. Just to confirm, based on your citizenship and age, you were eligible to vote in Canadian elections as of October 19, 2015.
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No (End questionnaire; code as non-qualifier)
2. In which province or territory do you reside?
Do not read; Single mention only.
01 Alberta
02 British Columbia
03 Manitoba
04 New Brunswick
05 Newfoundland and Labrador
06 Northwest Territories
07 Nova Scotia
08 Nunavut
09 Ontario
10 Prince Edward Island
11 Québec
12 Saskatchewan
13 Yukon
14 Outside of Canada
3. Would you identify yourself as Aboriginal, that is, are you of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis descent?
Do not read – Code one only
01 No GO TO Q6
02 First Nation
03 Métis
04 Inuit
98 Don't know GO TO Q6
99 Refusal GO TO Q6
Note for programming: if any of Q3 options 02 through 04 are selected, code case as ABORIGINAL=01 ("First Nation, Métis, or Inuit"). OTHERWISE, ABORIGINAL=02 ("Non-Aboriginal").
IF (BATCH=03 OR BATCH=04) and [(YOUTH=02 OR 99) and/or (FOREIGN_BORN=02 OR 99) and/or (ABORIGINAL=02)], read 3b and code as non-qualifier.
3b. Based on demographic criteria, unfortunately you do not qualify for the survey at this time. Thank you for your time."
[If asked why, read: "Elections Canada has set completion targets for electors between the ages of 18-34, who identify as Aboriginal, or were born in another country. If anyone else in your household matches at least one of those criteria we could complete the survey with them. If not, we thank you for your time and understanding."]
01 End survey, code as "Special code: Oversample non-qualifier"
Ask if Q3 = 02
4. Is your primary residence located on a reserve?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q6
98 Don't know GO TO Q6
99 Refusal GO TO Q6
Note for programming: IF Q4=01, code RESERVE=01 ("Living on-reserve"). Otherwise, code RESERVE=02 ("Living off-reserve").
Ask if Q4 = 01
5. Was there a polling station on your reserve?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
6. Elections Canada is committed to accommodating the needs of Canadians. For the purposes of this survey only, would you please tell me whether you have any of the following conditions?
[If asked why we are interested: Elections Canada has an accessibility policy and service offering for people with disabilities to make voting accessible to these electors. If you have any of these conditions, we will ask you a few questions about these services later in the survey. Your answers will help Elections Canada do its best job.]
Read list; Select all that apply. (multiple mentions)
01 Blind or visual impairment
02 Impaired co-ordination or dexterity
03 Deaf or hard of hearing
04 Impaired mobility
05 Speech impairment
06 Developmental or intellectual disability
07 Emotional/psychological/mental health condition
08 Chronic pain
96 Any other condition you would consider a disability (Please specify) [Open-ended reply]
97 No disability
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Note for programming: if any of Q6 options 01 through 08 or 96 are selected, code case as DISABILITY=01 ("Person with disability"). Q6=97, 98, or 99, DISABILITY=02 ("Person without disability").
Section 2: Awareness of Election
(All respondents)
7. Did you know that a federal election took place on October 19, 2015?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q9
98 Don't know GO TO Q9
99 Refusal GO TO Q9
Programming: If Q7=01, AWARENESS=01 ("Aware"); else, AWARENESS=02 ("Unaware").
Ask if Q7 = 01
8. From what sources do you recall hearing about the election?
– Do not read list. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
9. In general, would you say you are very interested in politics, somewhat interested, not very interested, or not at all interested?
01 Very interested
02 Somewhat interested
03 Not very interested
04 Not at all interested
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
10. Did you vote in the previous federal general election in 2011?
Do not read – Probe if needed "It was held on May 2nd, 2011"
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 3: Knowledge of Registration Requirements, Voting and Voter Identification
(All respondents)
Now, I would like to ask you a few questions about voting in the election...
11. To the best of your knowledge, do voters need to be registered in order to vote in a Canadian federal election?
If asked: This means to have their name on the lists of electors.
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
97 Don't know GO TO Q13
98 Refusal GO TO Q13
12. From what sources do you recall hearing about whether or not electors need to be registered to vote??
Do not read list. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
14 I knew this from my past experience
15 When I voted
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
13. 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 election?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q13=01
13A. From what sources do you recall hearing about it?
Do not read. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
14. To the best of your knowledge, what are the current ways that electors can vote in a federal election?
Do not read – Select all that apply (multiple mentions).
[If respondent simply says "polling station," probe "Could you please be more specific?" Avoid suggesting answers which would give away the list.]
Do not read: If respondent says prior election day, ask for clarification as 02, 03 and 04 can be prior to election day
01 In person at a polling station on election day
02 At an advance polling station
03 By mail (either within Canada or outside Canada)
04 At a local Elections Canada office
05 At home
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q14 = 01, 02, 03, 04
15. From what sources do you recall hearing about the different ways to vote?
Do not read. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
14 I knew this from my past experience
15 When I voted
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
16. To the best of your knowledge, do voters have to present 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
17. To the best of your knowledge, do voters have to present 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
Ask Q18 if either Q16=01 and/or Q17=01.
18. From what sources do you recall hearing about this?
Do not read. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
14 I knew this from my past experience
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
19. Overall, how well informed do you feel you were about how, when and where to vote? Would you say...?
Read scale
01 Very informed
02 Somewhat informed
03 Not very informed
04 Not at all informed
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 4: EC Communications about How, When and Where to Vote
(All respondents)
20. [If awareness=02, add this pre-text: "The last federal election was held on October 19, 2015. The election period ran from August 2 until October 19."] During the election period, did you see, hear or read any advertising or communications about how, when and where to vote in the Canadian federal election on October 19?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q20 = 01
21. And where did you see, hear or read about it?
Do not read. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
02 Voter information card (addressed to the elector)
03 Radio
04 Television
05 Newspaper
06 Elections Canada website
07 Word of mouth (friends, relatives, colleagues)
08 Facebook
09 Twitter
10 YouTube
11 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
12 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
13 From candidates and political parties
97 Other source, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Programming note: If awareness=02, skip to section S (S1).
21B. During the campaign, do you recall receiving a reminder brochure from Elections Canada by mail?
Do not read
If asked: The reminder brochure is sent to each household.
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
22. Did you contact Elections Canada during the campaign?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q22 = 01
23. Overall, how satisfied were you with the information provided when you contacted Elections Canada? Would you say...?
Read scale
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
24. Did you visit Elections Canada's website during the campaign?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q24= 01
25. Overall, how satisfied were you with the information on Elections Canada's website? Would you say...?
Read scale
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Programming note: There is no Question 26.
26. SKIP TO Q27
Section 5: Registration and Voter Information Card (VIC)
(Respondents aware of election)
27. What did you do to find out whether you were registered to vote in this election?
Do not read – Code up to 3 answers
Surveyors: If respondent says they went online / checked website, code 04, and also probe for use of online voter registration service (code 05).
01 Did nothing
02 Found out at polling station/local Elections Canada office
03 Called 1-800 number of Elections Canada
04 Consulted Elections Canada's website
05 Used Online Voter Registration Service on Elections Canada's website
06 Learned from revising agent who was at my home
07 Learned from my voter information card
97 Other (SPECIFY)
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q27=05
28. You said that you used the Online Voter Registration Service during the last election to check if you were registered. Can you tell me exactly what you did?
Do not read. Code multiple responses
01 Checked that my name and address were correctly written on the voters list
02 Corrected my name on the voters list
03 Updated my address on the voters list
04 Completed my registration
05 Completed my registration and printed my registration certificate
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
29. During the campaign, did you receive a voter information card addressed to you personally telling you where and when to vote?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q34
98 Don't know GO TO Q34
99 Refusal GO TO Q34
30. Was your NAME correct on the card you received?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
31. And was your ADDRESS correct on the card?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q30=02 and/or Q31=02
32. Did you do anything to make corrections to incorrect information on the card you received?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q34
98 Don't know GO TO Q34
99 Refusal GO TO Q34
33. What did you do, precisely? Did you...?
Read; allow multiple responses
01 Call the phone number indicated on the voter information card
02 Call Elections Canada's 1-800 number
03 Use the Online Voter Registration Service on Elections Canada's website
04 Inform the revising agent who was at your home
05 Make the correction at the poll when you went to vote
06 Contact the local Elections Canada office
Do not read
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Do not ask if Q28=04 or 05, or if Q29=01
(Analysis note, impute responses for those aware by skipped)
34. Did you have to register during the election in order to vote?
Do not read
01 Yes, I did
02 No GO TO Q38
98 Don't know GO TO Q38
99 Refusal GO TO Q38
Ask if Q34=01
35. What did you do, precisely? Did you...?
Read
01 Register on polling day
02 Register on an advance polling day
03 Register through the revising agent who was at your home
04 Register through the Online Voter Registration Service on Elections Canada's website
Do not read
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know GO TO Q38
99 Refusal GO TO Q38
Ask if Q28=04 or 05 or Q34=01.
36. Overall, how satisfied were you with the way you registered? Would you say...?
Read scale
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Programming note: There is no Question 37.
Q37 = Go to Q38
Section 6: Voting
38. Many people don't or can't vote for a variety of reasons. Did you vote in the October 19 federal election?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q38 = 02
39. What is the main reason you did not vote?
Do not read – Code 1 answer
01 Not interested in politics
02 Lack of information about campaign issues and parties' positions
03 Didn't like candidates, party leaders, or campaign issues
04 Felt voting would not make a difference
05 Not on voters list / Registration problems
06 Lack of information about the voting process (e.g. when/where to vote)
07 Transportation problems / Polling station too far from home
08 Problems physically accessing the polling station/building
09 Problems with ID requirements (i.e. missing ID to prove IDENTITY when voting)
10 Problems with ID requirements (i.e. missing ID to prove ADDRESS when voting)
11 Problems with ID requirements (i.e. missing ID to prove IDENTITY when registering)
12 Problems with ID requirements (i.e. missing ID to prove ADDRESS when registering)
13 Lines were too long
14 Own illness or disability
15 Out of town or away from home
16 Too busy / Family obligations / Conflicting work or other schedule
17 Forgot to vote
18 Religious beliefs
19 Weather conditions
97 Other – Specify:
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q38=01
40. Which method did you use to vote? Was it...?
Read in order – Code one answer only
01 At the polling station on election day, October 19
02 At the advance polling station (or advance polls) on October 9, 10, 11 or 12
03 At a local Elections Canada office
04 By mail
If [disability=01] read
05 At home
Do not read
97 Other (PROBE/SPECIFY: _________).
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q38=01
41. Overall, how convenient was it to vote? Would you say that it was...?
Read scale
01 Very convenient
02 Somewhat convenient
03 Not very convenient
04 Not at all convenient
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
If Q40=04 (vote by mail) or 05 (vote at home), ask Q41A.
Q41A. 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
Programming note: Skip patterns based on voting (q38), mode of vote (Q40) and disability status (Disability).
*Voted at a polling place, either on election day, advance poll, or EC office, continue to next question:
If Q38 = 01 and Q40=01, 02, or 03, proceed to section 7 (Q42).
*Voted either at home, by mail, or another method, skip over 'getting to the poll' and 'identification' and proceed to the voting experience section.
If Q38 = 01 and Q40=04, 05, 97, 98 or 99 skip to section 9 (Q62).
*Did not vote, or unsure/refused, but has a disability, skip to the accessibility section.
If Q38 = 02, 98, or 99 and disability = 01, skip to section 10 (Q70).
*Did not vote, or unsure/refused, and does not have a disability, skip to the final questions on fairness and accuracy.
If Q38 = 02, 98, or 99 and disability = 02, skip to Q87.
Section 7: Getting to the Poll
(Respondents who say they voted)
Programming note for this section: ask only if Q40 = 01, 02, 03
42. Do you remember approximately what time it was when you went to vote?
Read only if necessary; Code only one response
01 Before 8 a.m.
02 Between 8 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 9 p.m.
15 After 9 p.m.
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
43. Was the (answer underlined at Q40: 01-polling station, 02-advance polling station or 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
44. Which means of transport did you use to go to vote?
Do not read
01 Private vehicle
02 Taxi GO TO Q46
03 Public transportation GO TO Q46
04 I biked GO TO Q46
05 I walked GO TO Q46
97 Other, please specify GO TO Q46
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q44 = 01;
45. Did you experience any problems finding a parking space?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
46. Did you have any difficulty reaching the (answer underlined at Q40: 01-polling station, 02-advance polling station or 03-local Elections Canada office)?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q48
98 Don't know GO TO Q48
99 Refusal GO TO Q48
Ask if Q46 = 01
47. Could you briefly describe the main difficulty in reaching the (answer underlined at Q40: 01-polling station, 02-advance polling station or 03-local Elections Canada office)?
Do not read – Allow for multiple responses
01 Physical accessibility
02 Polling station address difficult to find
03 Room inside the building difficult to find
04 Wrong information on my voter information card
05 Imprecise signage (interior/exterior)
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
48. From the street, how visible was the building where you voted? Would you say it was...?
Read scale
01 Very visible from the street
02 Somewhat visible from the street
03 Not very visible from the street
04 Not at all visible from the street
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
49. Would you say that the building where you voted was...?
Read scale
01 Very suitable GO TO Q51
02 Somewhat suitable GO TO Q51
03 Not very suitable
04 Not suitable at all
Do not read
98 Don't know GO TO Q51
99 Refusal GO TO Q51
Ask if Q49 = 03 or 04
50. Could you briefly describe what made the building not suitable?
Do not read – Allow for multiple responses
01 Physical accessibility
02 Polling station address difficult to find
03 Room inside the building difficult to find
04 Wrong information on my voter information card
05 Imprecise signage (interior/exterior)
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
51. 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
Ask if Q29 = 01
52. Did you bring your voter information card with you to the (answer underlined at Q40: 01-polling station, 02-advance polling station or 03-local Elections Canada office)?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 8: Voter Identification
Programming note for this section: Ask only if Q40 = 01, 02, 03
Programming note: We are testing the effect of timing for the question, "Overall, how easy was it to meet the identification requirements?" This will be done by asking half of respondents the question at the start of this section (Q53), and half towards the end of this section (Q59). When we provide the sample, we shall have randomly assigned a value of 01 or 02 to a variable called ID_FAIRNESS to determine this.
Ask Q53 only if ID_FAIRNESS=01
53. Overall, how easy was it to meet the identification requirements to vote? 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
54. Did you have the required identification documents with you, when you went to vote?
Do not read
01 Yes GO TO Q57
02 No
98 Don't know GO TO Q62
99 Refusal GO TO Q62
Ask if Q54 = 02
55. Which pieces of identification or documentation were you missing?
Code only one reply
01 Document with identity
02 Document with address
03 Had no identification pieces
98 Don't know GO TO Q62
99 Refusal GO TO Q62
Ask if Q55= 01, 02, 03
56. What did you do about it?
Read if necessary; select all that apply.
01 Went to find missing document(s) with my identity and came back
02 Went to find missing document(s) with my address and came back
03 Had someone else attest to my address (Surveyor note: Only select this option if they had documents with their identity. Do not select if they had documents with their address).
97 Other [SPECIFY]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57 if Q54=01 or Q56=01, 02 or 03
57. What one or two documents did you use to prove your identity and address?
Surveyor notes:
Electors can vote using the following combinations
- One document from List A; Update Nov 18 – If a respondent says they used their drivers' licence do not probe for any other documents.
- One document from List B and one document from List C;
- Two documents from List C, or,
- Two documents from List B and had someone else attest to their address
Of only one document is mentioned and that it is under List A DO NOT ask for a second document.
It is possible answers may not match those combinations. Use List D to capture invalid documents, including the voter information card, and any document not found in lists A, B or C. Use List E to capture don't know or refusal.
Note regarding option C20: The designated establishments are 1) Student residence; 2) Seniors' residence; 3) Long-term care facility; 4) Shelter; or, 5) Soup kitchen.
Note regarding D02: If you select the "Other" option (D02), you will be prompted to record that answer in a follow-up question (Q57D).
| List A: Documents that are sufficient by themselves (Accept only one) | List B: Proof of identity (Accept up to two if none from list C) | List C: Proof of identity and address (Accept up to two if none from list B) | List D: Invalid documents (Accept all that apply) | List E: Additional responses (Accept only one) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 Driver's licence | B01 Health card of AB, PE, NB, NS, NU, ON, QC, SK, NL or NT | C01 Health card of MB or YK | D01 Voter information card (VIC) | E01 Don't know |
| A02 Provincial or territorial ID card | B02 Canadian passport | C02 Utility bill (electricity; water; telecommunications services including telephone, cable or satellite) | D02 Other (Record answer in Q57D). | E02 Refusal |
| A03 Service card from British Columbia | B03 Birth certificate | C03 Bank statement | ||
| B04 Certificate of Canadian citizenship | C04 Credit union statement | |||
| B05 Citizenship card | C05 Credit card statement | |||
| B06 Social insurance number card | C06 Personal cheque | |||
| B07 Indian status card | C07 Government statement of benefits | |||
| B08 Band membership card | C08 Government cheque or cheque stub | |||
| B09 Métis card | C09 Pension plan statement | |||
| B10 Card issued by an Inuit local authority | C10 Residential lease or sub-lease | |||
| B11 Canadian Forces identity card | C11 Mortgage contract or statement | |||
| B12 Veterans Affairs health card | C12 Income tax statement | |||
| B13 Old age security card | C13 Property tax assessment or evaluation | |||
| B14 Hospital card | C14 Vehicle ownership | |||
| B15 Medical clinic card | C15 Insurance certificate, policy or statement | |||
| B16 Label on a prescription container | C16 Correspondence issued by a school, college, or university | |||
| B17 Identity bracelet issued by a hospital or long-term care facility | C17 Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee | |||
| B18 Blood donor card | C18 Targeted revision form from Elections Canada to residents of long-term care facilities | |||
| B19 Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) card | C19 Letter of confirmation of residence from a First Nations band or reserve, or an Inuit local authority | |||
| B20 Credit card | C20 Letter of confirmation of residence, letter of stay, admission form or statement of benefits from a designated establishment | |||
| B21 Debit card | ||||
| B22 Employee card | ||||
| B23 Student identity card | ||||
| B24 Public transportation card | ||||
| B25 Library card | ||||
| B26 Liquor identity card | ||||
| B27 Parolee card | ||||
| B28 Firearms licence | ||||
| B29 Licence or card issued for fishing, trapping or hunting |
Programming note: If E01 (Don't know) or E02 (Refuse to answer) were selected, do not ask any of the Q57 follow-up questions.
Q57 follow-up questions (Q57A through Q57F)
Ask Q57A if respondent only provided a List B answer (excluding B08, B09, or B10) but no List C answers.
57A. You mentioned a document you used to prove your identity. Did you also use any other document to prove your identity or your address?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended reply]
02 Did not use any other document
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57B if respondent provided only one List C answer and no List B answers.
57B. You mentioned one document you used to prove your identity and address. Did you also use a second document to prove your identity or your address?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended reply]
02 Did not use any other document
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57C if only D01 (Voter information card) was selected (no other answers).
57C. You mentioned you used your voter information card to prove your identity and address. Did you use any other documents to prove your identity or your address?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended reply]
02 Did not use any other document
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57D if D02 (Other) was selected.
57D. What other documents did you use?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended reply]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57E if two documents from List B were selected., and no other documents from Lists A or C.
57E. Did you take an oath and have someone else attest to your address?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q57F if B08, B09, or B10 were selected and no other documents from Lists A, B or C.
Q57F. You mentioned you used your [Enter either B08, B09, or B10] to prove your identity and address. Did you use any other documents to prove your identity or your address?
01 [Open-ended reply]
02 Did not use any other document
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q58 if C19 or C20 were selected.
Q58. Was the letter from a ...?
01 First Nations band or reserve
02 Inuit local authority
03 Student residence
04 Seniors' residence
05 Long-term care facility
06 Shelter
07 Soup kitchen
Do not read
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Programming note: We are testing the effect of timing for the question, "Overall, how easy was it to meet the identification requirements?" This will be done by asking half of respondents the question at the start of this section (Q53), and half towards the end of this section (Q59). When we provide the sample, we shall have randomly assigned a value of 01 or 02 to a variable called ID_FAIRNESS to determine this.
Ask Q59 only if ID_FAIRNESS=02.
59. Overall, how easy was it to meet the identification requirements to vote? 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
All cases skip to section 9 (Q62), Q60 & Q61 are no longer asked
60. Did a candidate's representative request to examine your pieces of identification?
If asked: A candidate may designate a representative to represent him or her at a polling station. While the role of election officers is to serve electors as they come to vote. The role of a candidate's representative is to observe the election proceedings.
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q62
98 Don't know GO TO Q62
99 Refusal GO TO Q62
Ask if Q60 = 01
61. Did you agree to show your pieces of identification to a candidate's representative?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 9: Voting Experience
Programming note: These questions should be asked of anyone who indicated they voted (Q38=01).
62. To the best of your knowledge, how long did it take you to vote?
[Add this text if Q40=01, 02, or 03] This would be the amount of time you spent at the (answer underlined at Q40: 01-polling station, 02-advance polling station or 03-local Elections Canada office).
[Add this text if Q40=04] This would be the amount of time it took you to complete your special ballot voting kit.
[Add this text if Q40=05] This would be the amount of time Elections Canada staff was at your home.
[Add this text if Q40=97] This would be the amount of time you spent voting, and exclude any travel time.
[If asked – This does not include travel time]
Do not read; record time in minutes
01 [Open-ended question]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask only if Q40=01, 02 or 03
63. Would you say that the waiting time before voting was reasonable?
Do not read
01 Yes GO TO Q65
02 No
98 Don't know GO TO Q65
99 Refusal GO TO Q65
If Q63 = 02
64. What was the main reason for the delay?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended question]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
65. Voters can choose to be served in either official language, English or French. In which official language were you served?
Do not read
01 English
02 French
98 Don't know GO TO Q67
99 Refusal GO TO Q67
Ask if Q65 = 01 or 02
66. 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
67. Overall, how satisfied were you with the services provided by Elections Canada staff when you voted? Would you say...?
Read
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
68. Overall, how easy was it to vote? Would you say that it was...?
Read. Note: this question refers to respondent's own experience
01 Very easy GO TO Q70
02 Somewhat easy GO TO Q70
03 Somewhat difficult
04 Very difficult
Do not read
98 Don't know GO TO Q70
99 Refusal GO TO Q70
If Q68 = 03 or 04
69. Can you tell us why it was difficult to vote?
Do not read
01 [Open-ended question]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 10: Accessibility for Electors with Disabilities
(All respondents with a disability [DISABILITY=01] are asked these questions; those without disabilities GO TO Section 11, Q85. Programming please note that questions Q76 through Q80 are only asked of some respondents with disabilities based on the nature of their disability [determined by Q6].)
And ask if [disability=01]. Otherwise, go to section 11.
70. Overall, what is your level of awareness of services and tools offered to voters with a disability?
Would you say...?
Read
01 Very aware
02 Somewhat aware
03 Not very aware
04 Not at all aware GO TO Q72
Do not read
98 Don't know GO TO Q72
99 Refusal GO TO Q72
71A. How did you know about it?
Do not read. Select all that apply (multiple mentions). If respondent says "Internet," probe for specific websites or social media.
01 Voter information card (VIC) (addressed to the elector)
02 EC householder – brochure / leaflet (received in the mail)
03 Called the phone number indicated on the voter information card
04 Called 1-800 number of Elections Canada
05 Elections Canada's website
06 Revising agent who was at my home
07 Facebook
08 Twitter
09 YouTube
10 Other social media (other than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
11 Other Internet website (other than Elections Canada website)
12 My Voter's Guide
13 Learned from association
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if 71A=13
71B. Please specify from which association you learned about assistance and tools for electors.
Do not read list
01 Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
02 People First of Canada
03 Council of Canadians with Disabilities
04 Easter Seals Canada
05 Brain Injury Association of Canada
06 Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec (COPHAN)
07 Canadian Association for Community Living
08 Neil Squire Society
09 Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)
10 Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
11 Canadian Association of the Deaf
12 Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
13 Canadian Mental Health Association
97 Other [SPECIFY]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
If Q29=01
72. Was your voter information card useful to check the level of accessibility of your designated polling station?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
73. Did you visit the Accessible Voting page on Elections Canada's website during the election?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
74. Did you use the Voter Information Service on Elections Canada's website to check the accessibility of your designated polling station?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask Q75 to Q84 if Q38=01
Ask if Q73 = 01
75A. How helpful was the information on the Accessible Voting Page when it was time to go vote? Would you say...?
Read
01 Very helpful
02 Somewhat helpful
03 Not very helpful
04 Not at all helpful
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q74 = 01
75B. How helpful was the Voter Information Service when it was time to go vote? Would you say...?
Read
01 Very helpful
02 Somewhat helpful
03 Not very helpful
04 Not at all helpful
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if nature of disability (Q6) included 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 or 96.
76. How would you rate the visibility of the signs with a wheelchair symbol? Were they...?
Read
01 Highly visible
02 Somewhat visible
03 Not very visible
04 Did not see any signs with a wheelchair symbol
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q44=01 and if nature of disability (Q6) included 01, 02, 03, 04, 08 or 96.
77. Did you find a parking space with a wheelchair symbol?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if nature of disability (Q6) includes 01, 04, 08, or 96.
78. Did you need level access for a wheelchair?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q81
98 Don't know GO TO Q81
99 Refusal GO TO Q81
Ask if Q78 = 01
79. Did you encounter any difficulties with the level access for wheelchairs?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q79=1
80. What was the difficulty that you encountered?
Do not read – Select all that apply (multiple mentions).
01 The sign indicating the wheelchair-accessible door was not visible
02 The polling place did not have an automatic door opener
03 There was no election worker at the door to provide assistance
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
81. Did you need assistance or voting tools to cast your ballot?
Do not read
01 Yes
02 No GO TO Q83
98 Don't know GO TO Q83
99 Refusal GO TO Q83
Ask if Q81 = 01
82. What kind of assistance or voting tools did you need?
Do not read – Code all answers
01 Assistance by family/friend
02 Assistance by poll staff
03 Language or sign language interpretation
04 Assistance in marking a ballot
05 Tactile and Braille voting template that fits on top of a ballot
06 Magnifier with light
07 Large-print list of candidates
08 Braille list of candidates
09 Improved voting screen that let in more light
10 Smartphone photo of ballot for verification
97 Other, please specify
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
83. Overall, would you say that Elections Canada staff were sensitive regarding your needs when voting? Would you say EC staff were...?
Read scale
01 Very sensitive
02 Somewhat sensitive
03 Not very sensitive
04 Not at all sensitive
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q81=01.
84. How satisfied were you with the assistance provided by Elections Canada staff when voting?
Read
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Section 11: Overall Satisfaction with Experience
Programming note: If awareness=02, skip to section S (S1).
If Q38=01
85. Overall, how satisfied were you with your voting experience? Would you say...?
Read scale
01 Very satisfied
02 Somewhat satisfied
03 Not very satisfied
04 Not at all satisfied
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
Ask if Q85= 03 or 04
86. Can you explain the main reason why?
01 [Open-ended question]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
ASK ALL RESPONDENTS
87. Thinking about the federal general election, would you say that Elections Canada ran the election...?
If asked: Elections Canada, is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament. It ensures that Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.
Read scale
01 Very fairly
02 Somewhat fairly
03 Somewhat unfairly
04 Very unfairly
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
88. 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
Section S: Socio-demographics
(All respondents)
S1. For the purposes of the survey, could you confirm your gender?
Do not read.
01 Male
02 Female
97 Other (Specify)
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S2. Are you...?
Read scale
01 Employed
02 A homemaker
03 A student
04 Retired
05 Unemployed/currently looking for work
06 Self-employed
97 Other (Specify)
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S3. IF Q3 = 01, 98 or 99. Could you please tell me your ethnic background? [If necessary specify: "For example, Caucasian, Asian, African, Latin American, etc."]
Do not read. Accept only one reply; use Q97 for mixed / multiple ethnicities.
| Group | Includes |
|---|---|
| 01 White / Caucasian | English-Canadian, French-Canadian 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, Burkinan, 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 |
| 97 Other visible minorities or mixed ethnicity, please specify | RECORD _________________ |
| 98 Don't know | |
| 99 Refusal |
S4. 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
S5. 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
S6. What is the first language that you learned and that you still understand?
Do not read – Code one only
01 English
02 French
03 Arabic
04 Cantonese
05 Cree
06 Dene
07 German
08 Innu-Montagnais
09 Inuktitut
10 Italian
11 Mandarin
12 Oji-Cree
13 Ojibway
14 Polish
15 Portuguese
16 Punjabi
17 Spanish
18 Tagalog (Filipino)
97 Other (SPECIFY)
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S7. Which of the following best describes the place where you lived on October 19, 2015? Was it a...?
Read
01 House
02 Townhouse
03 Condominium
04 Apartment
05 Long-term care centre
06 Student residence
07 Seniors' residence
08 Hospital
09 Residence or institution for persons with a disability
Do not read
97 Other (SPECIFY:_________________)
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S8. Are you living in a rural or urban area?
Do not read
01 Urban
02 Rural
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S9. Have you moved over the past year?
01 Yes
02 No GO TO S11
99 Refusal GO TO S11
Ask if S9 = 01
S10. How long ago did you move?
Read
01 Past 3 months
02 Past 6 months
03 Past 12 months
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S11. 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)
97 Other (SPECIFY: _________________)
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S12. Which of the following categories best corresponds to the total annual income, before taxes, of all members in your household for 2014?
Emphasize focus on household income
Read in sequence – Code one only
01 Under $20,000
02 $20,000 to just under $40,000
03 $40,000 to just under $60,000
04 $60,000 to just under $80,000
05 $80,000 to just under $100,000
06 $100,000 and over
Do not read
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S13. And to better understand how results vary by region, may I have your postal code?
Probe for first three digits if refusal
[Record 3 or 6 digits]
Do not read
01 [Open-ended question, maximum of six characters]
98 Don't know
99 Refusal
S14. That completes the survey. Thank you for taking part.
Do not read
01 Submit survey
Section X: Other Variables
(Not asked; automatically indicated by survey answers and sample data)
X1. Language of interview
English
French
X2. Sample source
- General population sample of landlines
- General population sample of cell phones
- National RDD sample
- Aboriginal oversample (not in national sample)
X3. Date of interview