Federal elections allow Canadian citizens aged 18+ to vote.
Multiple steps precede the actual voting process.
Step 1: Dissolution of Parliament
The first step in the election process is the dissolution of Parliament.
The Prime Minister requests the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
Governor General directs the Chief Electoral Officer to issue the writs of election.
Writs instruct election officers in each riding to hold an election.
Preliminary voter lists are sent to returning officers by Elections Canada.
Per the Canada Elections Act (since May 2007):
Elections are generally held on the third Monday of October in the fourth year after the last election but can occur earlier or later within a maximum of five years.
Step 2: Nomination of Candidates
Political parties select candidates for each riding once writs are issued.
Candidates can run as independent or non-affiliated.
Requirements to become a candidate:
Must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day.
Must not be disqualified by specific criteria (e.g., being a judge, election officer, imprisoned, etc.).
Need to submit a Nomination Paper or online form to Elections Canada.
Party affiliation is noted on ballots since 1970.
Step 3: Campaigning
The election period lasts 37 to 51 days, ending on election day.
Campaign goals:
Convince voters of the party's or candidate’s suitability.
Utilize platforms to communicate goals and ideas.
Conduct door-to-door visits and participate in debates.
In 2021, 2,010 Canadians registered as candidates.
Step 4: Voting
Voting eligibility: Canadian citizen, 18+, registered.
Voting methods:
On election day
Advance polling
At any Elections Canada office
By mail
Most common: in-person voting at polling stations.
Voting process is secret:
Proof of identity and address is required.
Ballot is marked behind a screen and placed in a ballot box.
Tools and services are available for accessible voting.
Step 5: Counting and Results
After polls close, voting location is locked until counting concludes.
Ballot counting steps:
Election officers count and record votes.
Record votes on a Statement of the Vote.
Ballots and documents are sealed.
Judicial recounts occur if results are tied or very close.
Election night results are:
Announced on Elections Canada's website.
Shared by various media outlets.
Voting system: "first past the post" where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Step 6: Parliament Resumes
Results determine the elected government.
Winning candidates represent their ridings as Members of Parliament (MPs).
The party with most MPs usually forms the government.
The party leader typically becomes the Prime Minister.
The cycle repeats with each new dissolution of Parliament.