Canadians who plan to vote by mail in the upcoming federal election must act soon, Elections Canada said Friday.
The deadline to apply for a special ballot — whether to vote by mail or in person at a local Elections Canada office — is Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. local time.
Elections Canada says electors should apply for their mail-in voting kits as early as possible to allow time for delivery and return. Applications can be submitted online, by calling 1-800-463-6868, or by visiting a local Elections Canada office. Voters will need to provide proof of identity and address with their application.
Once approved, voters will receive a special ballot kit that includes instructions, a blank ballot, and a pre-paid return envelope. The agency emphasized that once someone opts for a special ballot, they cannot change their mind and vote at an advance poll or on election day.
Electors must ensure Elections Canada receives their completed ballot by the deadline outlined in their kit. Ballots returned from outside the riding or from abroad must arrive at Elections Canada headquarters in Ottawa by Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. Those voting from within their riding must ensure their completed ballot is returned — either by mail or in person — before polls close on election day, also April 28.
Voters applying on or after April 18 or those who haven’t mailed their ballot by that date are advised to return it in person to their local Elections Canada office to ensure it arrives on time.
Canadians may also vote at any Elections Canada office using the special ballot process up until the April 22 deadline. Offices are open seven days a week.
The final list of candidates in each riding will be published on Wednesday, April 9 and can be found at elections.ca or at local Elections Canada offices.
Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that administers federal elections and reports directly to Parliament.
