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Voting While Abroad
Q: Can I vote if I am living or travelling outside Canada?
A: Canadians who are temporarily living or travelling outside Canada can, under certain conditions, vote in federal elections, by-elections, and referendums.
Canadian citizens may vote by special mail-in ballot, if they:
- are 18 years or older on polling day; and
- have an ordinary residence in Canada, but are away from their electoral districts during the electoral period; or
- have been living outside Canada for less than five consecutive years (or longer if they meet certain employment-based criteria for exemption from the five-year limit).
Q: When can I register to vote using a mail-in ballot?
A: If your ordinary residence is in Canada and you are away from your electoral district (for example, because you are a student, traveller, or snowbird), you can register once an electoral event has been called.
If you no longer reside in Canada, you can register at any time. When you register, your name will be added to Elections Canada’s International Register of Electors, a permanent, computerized list of Canadians temporarily travelling or residing outside the country who are eligible to vote in federal events.
A: You can download an Application for Registration and Special Ballot from the Elections Canada website. You can also obtain the application from any Canadian government office abroad. Complete the application form and send it to Elections Canada along with the appropriate supporting documentation, as described in the accompanying instructions.
Q: What happens after my application has been approved?
A: When an electoral event is called and your application has been approved, Elections Canada will send you a special ballot voting kit at the mailing address you have specified in your application.
Q: What are the deadlines for voting while abroad?
A: To exercise the right to vote during an electoral event, you may send your completed application to Elections Canada in Ottawa. It must be received no later than 6:00 p.m. (Ottawa time) on the Tuesday before polling day. Register as early as you can. Allow enough time for Elections Canada to send a special ballot voting kit to you and for you to return it before the deadline. If you cast your ballot outside your electoral district, your vote must be received in Ottawa before 6:00 p.m. (Ottawa time) on polling day. According to the Canada Elections Act, your vote cannot be counted if it is received late.
Q: Where should I send my application?
A: Send your application:
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| By mail to |
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Q: Where can I get more information?
A: For more information, contact Elections Canada.
