Site MenuThe National Electors Study following the 44th General Election
The Voter Experience
Electors were surveyed twice:
- During the election
- 53,731 electors
- After the election
- 39,568 electors
Voter registration
92% of electors said they received a voter information card (VIC) in the mail addressed to them personally during the election.
Voter identification
- 94% of voters reported using one piece of government-issued photo ID when voting to prove identity and address:
- 90% of voters used a driver's license by itself.
- 3% used a general provincial or territorial photo identification card by itself.
- 4% used two authorized pieces of ID together that could prove identity and address when voting. Among voters who used two pieces of ID when voting:
- 48% used a health card.
- 53% used a VIC to prove their address.
- Fewer than 1% had someone vouch for them.
Getting to the polling place
97% said that the polling place was a reasonable distance from their home and 86% said that it was very reasonable.
90% said that the polling place was in a location familiar to them, with 70% saying that it was in a very familiar location.
97% said that the building where they voted was suitable for holding an election, with 81% describing it as very suitable.
It took less time than electors expected:
| Percentage who expected it would take five minutes or less (during the election) | Percentage who said it actually took five minutes or less (after the election) | |
|---|---|---|
| To travel to the polling place | 28% | 51% |
| To vote at the polling place | 30% | 44% |
Voting by special ballot
2019
In 2019, only 23% of electors were aware that they could vote by mail using a special ballot.
2021
In 2021, 70% of electors reported being aware that they could vote by mail using a special ballot.
Among electors who received their ballot in the mail:
94% said it was easy to apply for their special ballot, with 76% saying that it was very easy.
89% of electors who received their special ballot in the mail said it arrived in a reasonable time, while 9% said it arrived in an unreasonable time.
87% said it was easy to complete their ballot using the special ballot kit, with 70% saying it was very easy.
Voting in 2021 took more time than in 2019
(Due to COVID-19 health and safety measures, as well as significantly fewer polling places being available compared to previous elections)
Average time it took to vote
| Year | On election day | At an advance poll |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 2021 | 12 minutes | 14 minutes |
The Voting Process
It was easier than electors expected:
| Percentage who expected it would be very easy (during the election) | Percentage who said it was actually very easy (after the election) | |
|---|---|---|
| To access the voting place with a disability | 54% | 86% |
| To prove their identity and address when voting | 88% | 95% |
| To vote | 81% | 88% |
Impact of Covid-19 Health Measures on Voting
Voters felt informed about COVID-19 health and safety measures
During the election
68% of electors reported feeling informed about COVID-19 safety measures at the polls, with 35% reporting feeling very informed.
After the election
89% said they felt informed about safety measures, with 60% saying they felt very well informed.
Voters felt safe at the polling place with COVID-19 health and safety measures
95% of electors who went to a polling station said they felt safe, while 78% said they felt very safe.
Overall Satisfaction with Elections Canada and the Election
Nearly all voters were satisfied with voting services and their voting experience
97% of voters said they were satisfied with the services provided by Elections Canada, with 85% saying that they were very satisfied.
96% said that they were satisfied with their voting experience, with 80% being very satisfied.
Confidence in Elections Canada
During the election
86% of electors had confidence in Elections Canada
After the election
91% reported having confidence in the post-election survey
Elections Canada as a source of information about the voting process
During the election
42% of electors identified Elections Canada as the first source to come to mind when looking for information
After the election
66% of electors identified Elections Canada as the first source to come to mind when looking for information
After the election
93% of electors agreed that Elections Canada is the most trusted source of information, with 72% strongly agreeing.