Don't forget your ID! You must have ID to vote.
That's the message from Marc Mayrand, Canada's Chief Electoral Officer.
"All electors must prove their identity and address when they vote or register to vote at federal elections, by-elections and referendums," says Mayrand.
Election officers will require every elector to provide either one original piece of government issued photo identification that includes your name and address, such as a driver's licence; or two authorized original pieces of identification, both containing your name, with one also showing your address, such as a health card and a utility bill.
"I urge electors to bring sufficient identification to the polls so they can vote quickly and easily," adds Mayrand.
Electors can vote without identification by having another registered elector who has the required identification vouch for them. Both electors will be required to take an oath or an affirmation.
Many ways to vote
There are more ways to cast your vote in an election besides marking a ballot on election day, says Canada's Chief Electoral Officer.
"While most people vote on election day, they could instead choose to vote at the advance polls or by special ballot," points out Mayrand.
"Many people are not aware that they can, in fact, vote by special ballot at any point during the election period if they first register to do so."
With the special ballot, electors can vote by mail or in person at their local Elections Canada office. Those away from their riding can register at any local Elections Canada office or with Elections Canada in Ottawa.
Electors must first complete a special ballot application form, which they can get from a local Elections Canada office, from www.elections.ca, or by phoning 1 800-463-6868.
Electors can register in person at a local Elections Canada office, or they can mail or fax their application to Elections Canada in Ottawa. They have to provide proof of identity and address and ensure Elections Canada receives their application by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday before election day.
When their application is approved, electors get a special ballot voting kit - by mail if that's how they applied, or right away if they registered in person.
Electors who have successfully registered for a special ballot won't be able to vote in any other way during the election.
For more information, go to www.elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868.
