The Canadian election is around the corner. So, if you are a Canadian citizen who is abroad this election season, you can still vote by mail before September 14. If you are age 18 or older by September 20, you can vote in the Canadian election even if you are not in your riding. In this article, we will share how to cast your vote from outside Canada.
If you are outside Canada, you have to apply on the Elections Canada website or by mail before Tuesday, September 14, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. However, voters in Canada may be able to contact their local election office before 6 p.m. local time. If you choose to vote by mail,you need to get your vote in as quickly as possible. If Elections Canada receives your vote after voting day, they cannot count it by law.
Here are the three steps you need to take as a Canadian if you are outside the country and want to vote.
Step 1: Register To Vote
The first step is to apply to vote by mail, and get on the International Register of Electors. Canadian embassies, high commissions or consulates do not process applications or voting kits, but you can get the application form from them if you are applying to vote by mail.
In order to register to vote, you need to submit ID showing that you are old enough, have citizenship status, and have ever had a Canadian address. For Canadians voting from abroad, you will need to show your passport, Canadian citizenship certificate or card, or Canadian birth certificate. Please note that you do not need to be a resident of Canada. You just need to have citizenship status and should have lived in Canada at some point in your life.
If you no longer have any Canadian IDs, you can still vote but you need to declare your identity and Canadian address in writing. Also, someone from your riding who knows you has to vouch for you. That person must be able to prove their identity and address, and they can only do it for one person at a time.
Step 2: Receive Your Voting Kit
After your application is approved, you will receive a voting kit via mail. This allows you choose the candidate you want to vote for. The kit will also include detailed instructions on how to submit your vote. As of August 30, the list of candidates is final. To find the list of confirmed candidates, you can search the Elections Canada website. Alternatively, you can ask most Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates.
Step 3: Mail In Your Vote
The nest step is to mail in your vote following the instructions provided. Inside the voting kit you receive, you will find a pre-addressed return envelope with prepaid postage. You can use this envelope to mail in your vote. However, if you want to expedite your delivery to meet the deadline you can do so, but this will be at your own cost.
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