Federal Elections and Voting in Canada
The right to vote is one of the most important privileges of Canadian citizenship, and the federal election system is a topic the citizenship test covers in detail. From how often elections are held, to what happens on election day itself, this subchapter walks through everything you need to know.
How Federal Elections Work
Under legislation passed by Parliament, federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election. However, the Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an election earlier if circumstances require it.
Electoral Districts: Ridings and Constituencies
Canada is divided into 308 electoral districts, also known as ridings The common term for an electoral district in Canada — a defined geographical area that elects one member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. or constituencies. Each electoral district is a geographical area represented by a single member of Parliament. Citizens in each district vote for one MP, who then sits in the House of Commons to represent both their local constituents and all Canadians.
Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or older may run in a federal election. The people who run for office are called candidates, and there can be many candidates competing within a single electoral district. The candidate who receives the most votes wins and becomes the MP for that district.
Who Can Vote?
The right to vote is a privilege, and eligibility is clear. To vote in a federal election or cast a ballot in a federal referendum, a person must be:
- a Canadian citizen, and
- at least 18 years old on voting day, and
- on the voters’ list.
The voters’ lists for federal elections and referendums are drawn from the National Register of Electors A permanent database maintained by Elections Canada containing the names and information of Canadian citizens aged 18 or older who are eligible to vote in federal elections and referendums. , maintained by a neutral agency of Parliament called Elections Canada. Once an election is called, Elections Canada mails a voter information card to each registered elector. This card confirms their place on the voters’ list and states when and where they vote, as well as a number to call for interpreter or other special services.
Even if someone is not listed in the National Register of Electors, or does not receive a voter information card, they can still be added to the voters’ list at any time — including on election day itself.
Voting Procedures: Step by Step
How to Vote in a Canadian Federal Election
Step 1 — Voter information card: Registered electors receive this card confirming their place on the voters’ list and stating when and where to vote.
Step 2 — If you did not get a card: Call your local elections office to confirm you are on the voters’ list. If you cannot find the number, contact Elections Canada in Ottawa at 1-800-463-6868.
Step 3 — Advance poll and special ballot: If you cannot or do not wish to vote on election day, you may vote at advance polls or by special ballot. Dates and locations appear on your voter information card.
Step 4 — On election day: Go to the polling station listed on your voter information card, bringing the card and proof of your identity and address.
Step 5 — Marking the ballot: Mark an “X” in the circle beside the name of the candidate of your choice.
Step 6 — Voting is secret: You vote behind a screen. Once marked, fold your ballot and present it to the poll officials.
Step 7 — The ballot box: The poll official tears off the ballot number and returns the ballot to you to deposit in the ballot box.
Step 8 — The election results: When the polls close, every ballot is counted and results are made public — available on television or on the Elections Canada website.
The Secret Ballot
Your vote is protected by law. Canadian law guarantees the right to a secret ballot. No one — not a family member, an employer, or a union representative — has the right to demand that you tell them how you voted. You may choose to share this information, but it is entirely your choice. Immediately after polls close, election officers count the ballots and results are announced on radio, television, and in newspapers.
After an Election: Forming the Government
After an election, the leader of the political party that won the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. Once appointed by the Governor General, that party leader becomes the Prime Minister.
If the governing party holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons, the result is called a majority government A government formed when the ruling party holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons, allowing it to pass legislation without relying on support from other parties. . If the governing party holds fewer than half of the seats, the result is called a minority government A government formed when the ruling party holds fewer than half of the seats in the House of Commons, meaning it must seek support from other parties to pass legislation. .
The Prime Minister and the governing party remain in power for as long as they retain the confidence of the majority of MPs. When the House of Commons votes on a major issue — such as the budget — this is considered a matter of confidence. If a majority of MPs vote against such a decision, the party in power is defeated, which typically results in the Prime Minister asking the Governor General to call an election.
The Cabinet
The Prime Minister chooses the ministers of the Crown, most of them from among members of the House of Commons. Cabinet ministers are responsible for running the federal government’s departments. Together, the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers are referred to as the Cabinet. They make the key decisions about how the country is governed, prepare the federal budget, and propose the majority of new laws. Their decisions can be questioned and challenged by all members of the House of Commons.
Political Parties and the Opposition
Parties that are not in power are known as opposition parties. The opposition party with the greatest number of members in the House of Commons is called the Official Opposition Also known as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, this is the opposition party with the most seats in the House of Commons. Its role is to scrutinise, challenge, and propose improvements to government policy. , or Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. The role of opposition parties is to peacefully oppose government measures or to propose improvements to them.
At the time this study guide was published, three major political parties were represented in the House of Commons: the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party, and the Liberal Party.
What happens if I miss the voters' list deadline?
There is no hard deadline to worry about. Even if your name is not on the National Register of Electors or you did not receive a voter information card, you can be added to the voters’ list at any time — including on election day itself — by going to your polling station with proof of identity and address.
When must federal elections be held in Canada, under legislation passed by Parliament?
- Federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years; the PM may request an earlier election.
- Canada has 308 electoral districts, also known as ridings or constituencies.
- Voting eligibility: must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and on the voters’ list.
- Elections Canada is the neutral parliamentary agency that maintains the National Register of Electors and administers elections.
- You can be added to the voters’ list on election day even without a voter information card.
- The secret ballot is guaranteed by Canadian law — no one can require you to disclose how you voted.
- After an election, the GG invites the leader of the party with the most seats to form government; that leader becomes Prime Minister.
- A majority government holds at least half the seats; a minority government holds fewer than half.
- The Cabinet — the PM and ministers of the Crown — prepares the budget and proposes most new laws.
- The Official Opposition (Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition) is the opposition party with the most seats.
- The three major parties represented in the House of Commons are the Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party, and the Liberal Party.