FAQs on the Federal By-Election on March 4, 2024

When can I vote on election day?

You can vote on election day anytime polls are open in your riding.

Polls are open for 12 hours on election day: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Back to top

Who can vote in the federal by-election?

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

• are a Canadian citizen
• are at least 18 years old on election day, March 4, 2024
• have been a resident* in the riding in which you are voting since January 29, 2024
• 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 a riding where a by-election is taking place.

Back to top

Where do I vote?

Note: The deadline to apply to vote at your local Elections Canada office has passed. If you have not already applied to vote by special ballot, please vote on election day.

You can find your assigned advance and election day polling places using our Voter Information Service after February 6. You can also find the address of your local Elections Canada office if you would like to vote there. You have until 6 p.m. local time on February 27, if you choose to vote at the office.

Back to top

How do I vote?

There are many ways to vote: on election day at your assigned polling station, on advance polling days at your assigned polling station, early at any Elections Canada office across the country or by mail. Check out the ways to vote for more information on each option. Deadlines apply.

Back to top

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 advance polling days or on election day.

Back to top

What health and safety measures is Elections Canada taking?

Your health and safety is important to us. Elections Canada protects voters through a layered approach that includes using enhanced cleaning procedures and making hand sanitizer and masks available when you vote in person. We will continue to monitor the public health situation across the country and to adapt our processes as needed.

Back to top

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

Masking is optional. You may wear your own mask when you go to vote in person. Masks will also be available at the polling place.

Back to top

Why can't I drop off my special ballot at a polling place on election day?

For the 44th federal general election in 2021 and the federal by-election in Mississauga–Lakeshore in 2022, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) adapted the Canada Elections Act to give electors who had requested a special ballot the option of dropping off their completed ballot in person at a polling place in their riding, in a ballot box set up specifically for that purpose. The CEO did this because, during the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for special ballots was unusually high. Given the current public health situation, the CEO has decided that it is no longer necessary to adapt the Act to allow for special ballots to be dropped off at polling places. Electors can return their completed special ballot by mail (deadlines apply) or in person at their local Elections Canada office before polls close on election day.

Back to top

What is the electronic list project, or the e-list project?

The electronic list project aims to replace paper lists of electors with an electronic list at the polls. This will allow registered electors to vote at the first available desk at their assigned polling place, instead of waiting in line at a designated desk. Once the elector's voter information card has been scanned, the elector's name will be struck off the list as having voted.

Back to top

Related document

• More information on the by-election