As the federal election nears, several new Canadians will be casting their vote for the first time on October 19. However, steps to vote and finding the suitable candidate may seem like a journey itself.
If voting feels too confusing, one may decide not to vote at all. But, the steps to the ballot box are not as complicated as they may seem.
To help make the task seem a bit less daunting, here are some tips for new voters:
1. Elections Canada has plenty of information about for example voting, candidates and parties, and has its own section for first-time voters. Finding the list of candidates in your electoral district has been made practical with postal code search. Elections Canada helps voters with precise and illustrated guidelines.
2. You have to be registered to vote. If you’ve received your Canadian citizenship recently, this may be one of the reasons why you may not be correctly registered. You can check your status online or by calling your electoral district’s office. If you have been mailed a voter information card with your correct name and address, it means that you are registered. Voter information card shows when and where you can give your vote.
3. If you are not registered, go to The Online Voter Registration Service. If you are unable to register by online service, call to your local Elections Canada office. You can request a registration form to be sent to you by mail. You can also register by visiting your local Elections Canada office. Follow the instructions given online or by phone about how to prove your name and address. Registration online, by mail or in person has to be done by Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m.
How can one find a candidate?
Where can one find more information about voting?
1. My Voters Guide is one of many informative packages that can be printed through Elections Canada website. It is available in ethnocultural and Aboriginal languages. Some part of the information is available also in audio format. A good resource to look to if you have questions is by checking out the Frequently Asked Questions section, as it is a practical source to find all the expanded information about voting.
2. It is recommended to register in advance, but it is possible to register at your polling place with proof of name and address. You can also contact Elections Canada for any other questions you may have about voting.
