FAQs on the December 12, 2022, Federal By-Election

Who is eligible to vote in the federal by-election?

You can vote in the federal by-election if you:

• are a Canadian citizen
• are at least 18 years old on election day, Monday, December 12, 2022
• have been a resident* in the electoral district of Mississauga-Lakeshore (Ontario) since November 7, 2022 and will continue to be a resident there until at least election day
• can prove your identity and address

*If you're a Canadian living abroad, incarcerated or a Canadian Forces elector, your Canadian address for voting purposes must be in the electoral district where the by-election is taking place.

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Am I registered to vote in the federal by-election?

Check online to see if you're registered at your address to vote in the federal by-election.

If you can't check online, call us to ask if you're registered.

Registered voters should get a voter information card in the mail at the address we have on file for them. The card confirms that you are registered and tells you when and where to vote.

Most eligible voters are already registered in the National Register of Electors, the permanent database of Canadians qualified to vote in federal elections and by-elections.

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How do I register to vote in the federal by-election?

There are many ways to register to vote.

1. Online

   Use the Online Voter Registration Service to register or update your address. You must prove your identity and address to register. Visit ID to Vote for the full list of accepted ID.

2. In person

   • You can register and vote at your local Elections Canada office until December 6, 6:00 p.m. or
   • You can register at your assigned polling station when you go to vote on election day. Make sure to bring accepted ID.

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How do I update my voter information?

You can update your address using the Online Voter Registration Service.

For other changes, including a name change, visit your local Elections Canada office. You will need to bring proof of your address, previous name and current name.

You can also update your voter information at your assigned polling station before you vote on election day.

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Do I have to wear a mask in the polling place?

We recommend that electors and candidate representatives follow local public health measures.

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Will I have to remove my mask to prove my identity?

Electors are not required to remove their mask when proving their identity and address. There are three ways to prove your identity.

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If an elector thinks they have COVID-19, will that elector be allowed to vote once the special ballot/mail-in ballot deadline has passed?

In order to offer the safest environment possible to other electors and workers, Elections Canada is asking electors with COVID-19 to use early voting options and consider not showing up at the polls on polling day.

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Changes to the ballot for the by-election in Mississauga–Lakeshore

Will the ballot for this by-election look any different from ballots used in other elections?

Yes. Because more candidates than usual are running in this by-election, the ballot will look different from the typical ballot that electors and candidates have seen in past elections.

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What is new about this ballot?

This ballot will be larger than usual and have two columns of candidate names. The names will be listed alphabetically, from the top to the bottom of the left column and continuing down the right column. As always, electors should vote for only one candidate by marking the circle next to their chosen candidate's name. Electors can learn more about the changes to the ballot in the Mississauga–Lakeshore by-election here: Adaptations to ensure that the names of all candidates can appear on the ballot.

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How many candidates are running in this by-election?

There are 40 confirmed candidates for the by-election in Mississauga–Lakeshore.

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Is this the longest ballot ever used in a federal election?

The ballot for the by-election in Mississauga–Lakeshore lists more candidates (40) than on any other ballot for a single riding in a federal general election or by-election. Previously, the largest number of candidates on a single ballot was 21, in the riding of Saint Boniface–Saint Vital (Manitoba) in the 44th general election in 2021.

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What should I do if I need help with the ballot?

If you think you will need help, because of a disability or for any other reason, you can contact the Elections Canada office in Mississauga–Lakeshore to discuss your needs.

Election workers would be happy to help you at the polls, or you can bring a support person. Alternatively, you can also apply to vote by special ballot. You can do so at the Elections Canada office in Mississauga–Lakeshore, or you can apply online or by mail or fax. The deadline to apply to vote by special ballot is Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 6:00 p.m.

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What accessibility tools will be in place for electors who need help marking their ballot?

• A large-print list of candidates will be available at every polling place on advance polling days and election day.
• Magnifiers and large-grip pencils will also be available.
• The braille template has been modified to fit the two-column ballot. Unlike in past elections, the template will be available only on election day.
• The braille list of candidates will also be available on election day.

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Can someone help me mark my ballot when I go to vote?

Yes, you can bring a support person (such as a family member, friend, personal support worker or intervener) to help you vote. To protect the secrecy of your vote, we will ask this person to make a solemn declaration before you vote.

An election worker can also assist you if you need help marking your ballot. We always have a second election worker present to act as a witness.

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Related document

• More information on the by-election