Canada election 2015: How and where to cast your ballot
Here's your go-to guide on where to vote and the ID you'll need at the polls
Election day is Monday, Oct. 19. Here's what you need to know to cast your ballot.
Are you registered?
If you received a voter information card in the mail, that means you are registered to vote. It includes details on where to go to vote for advance polls and election day voting.
- Poll Tracker: Which parties are gaining, losing support?
- Pledge to vote: Why are you voting?
- Find your riding in our interactive map
- Vote Compass: Where do you stand on the issues?
There have been reports about incorrect information appearing on voter cards, so it's important to carefully check your card. If you didn't get one or it has incorrect information, you can register at the polls on voting day. You can print a personalized registration certificate from Elections Canada's website to bring to the polling station to make the process go more smoothly.
Don't forget your ID
It's also important to note that the voter information card is not considered a piece of identification. Elections Canada requires identification that proves your identity and where you live.
A single piece of government-issued photo ID with your address on it will suffice, or you can present two pieces of acceptable identification, including one that shows your current address. For example, you can present your passport, but you will also have to present ID that shows your current address, such as a credit card bill or a personal cheque.
When and where to vote
If you are registered, you should have received a voter information card in the mail telling you where to vote. If you did not receive one, you can also use the online Voter Information Service to find out where to vote.
Polls are open for 12 hours everywhere in the country, but those hours are staggered so that most results will come in at roughly the same time, according to Elections Canada. Here are the local polling times across the country:
- Pacific Time: 7 a.m. — 7 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 7:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 9:30 a.m. — 9:30 p.m.
- Atlantic Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
- Newfoundland Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
How to follow the results
CBC News will carry election results live in special coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, on CBC TV, radio and streaming live at CBCNews.ca. Follow the results on election night on your tablet, phone or desktop with our live results dashboard.
Errors on the voters list? Problems at a polling station? CBC News wants to hear from you. Use the hashtag #PollWatch to share your experiences on Twitter.
Still have questions?
There are lots of ways to reach Elections Canada, including email and phone. The toll-free line anywhere from Canada and the U.S. is 1-800-463-6868.