Here’s all you need to know to vote
Just follow this step-by-step guide to cast your ballot
You wake up on election day. You want to vote, but you’re not entirely sure how to go about it. No shame … you’re not the only one feeling this way. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
1. Ensure you’re eligible to vote. Are you a Canadian citizen? Are you at least 18 years old? If the answer is yes to both questions, you may proceed.
2. Prepare to prove your identity and address. You have to do both in order to vote. There are three ways to accomplish this:
a) Show your driver’s licence or any other card issued by a federal, provincial or local government that shows your photo, name and current address.
b) Show two pieces of ID — both with your name and at least one with your current address. The list of accepted ID for this option is huge, from your library card to your student ID to the label on a prescription container. The full list is on the Elections Canada website.
You can even use expired ID as long as it has your name and current address, or an ID document issued electronically (like an e-statement) on a mobile device or printout.
c) Declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. (That person must prove their own identity and address.)
3. Find your polling station. If you’re already registered to vote, this is easy. You should have received a mailed voter information card telling you where and when to vote. Bring it with you when you go to vote; that will make the process easier.
If you don’t know if you’re registered to vote or you didn’t get a voter info card mailed to you, you can check your registration status on the Elections Canada website.
If you’re not yet registered or you need to update your voter information, you can still do that online. If you go that route, print and bring a copy of the registration certificate to your polling station. Don’t sign the certificate in advance — you’ll have to do this in front of a poll worker.
You can also register or update your voter information at your assigned polling station on Monday. You can find that polling station by searching the Elections Canada website or by calling 1-800-463-6868.
4. Pick a time to vote. Polling stations in the Eastern time zone (including all of Ottawa, Gatineau and the surrounding areas) will be open between 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Monday.
5. Go cast that ballot. Carve out some time, make sure you head to the right place and bring the necessary ID/proof of address (see above).
Visit the Elections Canada website if you have any outstanding questions. You can also call 1-800-463-6868 or chat with Elections Canada workers at your polling station. tblewett@postmedia.com