Canada elections 2025: Where and how to vote on polling day

Canada's 2025 federal election is turning out to be one of the most competitive in years, and each vote may count.

With the election tomorrow, April 28, it is essential that all eligible voters are informed about where and how they can cast their ballot. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, ensuring you know the necessary steps and the location of your designated polling station is crucial for making your voice heard in this pivotal election.

Here's what Canadians need to know to show up and have their voices heard.

Where do Canadians vote?
Discovering your polling station is really easy:

• Look for your Voter Information Card , which will have arrived in your mailbox roughly three weeks prior to election day.
• Lost it or didn't receive one? No problem — type your postal code into the Voter Information Service.
• Still unsure? Phone Elections Canada directly at 1-800-463-6868 (or 1-800-361-8935 for TTY service).

Important: You are required to vote at your assigned polling station, you can't simply show up at any voting center.

Can a Canadian vote ahead of election day?
No. Early voting and other alternatives are shut down. April 28 is your sole opportunity to vote in person at your polling place if you have not yet voted.

Who in Canada are qualified to vote?
In order to vote in the federal election in Canada, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be 18 years of age on the day of the election
• Establish your identity and address

Fun fact: If you're celebrating your 18th birthday on April 28, you're set! You can vote even if you're currently 17.

What ID do Canadians need?
Three ways to show who you are:

• Option 1: Present a government-issued photo ID with your name and current address (such as your driver's license).
• Option 2: No photo ID? Bring two pieces of ID, one of which has your address on it (e.g., a health card and a utility bill).
• Option 3: No ID? No problem (sort of). Another registered voter in your riding can "vouch" for you — but they need to have valid ID.

A Canadian didn't get a voter card. Now what?
If your Voter Information Card wasn't delivered, it might be because you recently changed addresses or your information is out of date.

What to do:

• Update your address or registration information at elections.ca
• Take your ID to your polling station yourself — you can still vote even without the card.

Tip: Canada has a National Register of Electors. If you have voted previously, you're likely already on it — but double-checking never hurts!

Special situations

• Canadian forces: If you are a member of the armed forces, vote like everybody else, at your assigned local polling station. Your Voter Information Card will inform you where.
• Prisoners: Voting within correctional facilities occurred on April 16. If you couldn't make it, you won't be able to vote now.

Ballot selfies?

No way. It's against the law to photograph a marked ballot (even yours) or share it on social media — vote secrecy is important!

Bottom line:

• Find out where your polling station is.
• Bring the correct ID.
• Vote on Monday, April 28.
• Have your say!