After counting, ballots are sealed and securely stored so results can be verified or reviewed if needed, helping protect the integrity of the election process.

An election worker can be any Canadian citizen who is qualified and properly trained by Elections Canada. These workers help administer the voting process, set up polling stations, and assist voters. Their role ensures that elections are fair, organized, and accessible to all eligible citizens.

In Canada, voting is a right, not mandatory, so if a citizen chooses not to vote, there are no legal consequences. Citizens still retain their rights and responsibilities, including the ability to vote in future elections. Choosing not to vote simply means a citizen does not participate in selecting representatives, but it does not affect their legal status or privileges.

After an election, political parties in Canada are required to report their campaign spending and donations to Elections Canada. This ensures transparency and accountability in the electoral process, allowing the public to see how parties raise and spend money and preventing undue influence or corruption in federal elections.

To ensure transparency and fairness, representatives from different political parties are allowed to observe the counting of ballots. This helps maintain trust in the election process.

Voting is important in Canada because it is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship. It allows citizens to have a say in how their government is run, choose leaders, and influence public policies. Participating in elections is a key way to strengthen democracy and ensure that the government reflects the will of the people.

A polling station is the location where eligible voters go to cast their ballots on election day or during advance voting. It is set up to ensure voting is organized, secure, and accessible to all citizens.

Voters can ensure they are on the voters list by checking with Elections Canada prior to election day. This allows citizens to confirm their registration, update their address, and ensure their eligibility to vote. Being on the list is essential for participating in federal elections and making your voice heard in Canada’s democratic process.

If there is an exact tie in a federal riding, Canadian election law requires another election (a by-election) to be held in that riding to determine the winner. The decision is not made by the Governor General, the King, or by letting both candidates serve.

Election results in Canada are officially confirmed only after Elections Canada has counted and verified all ballots, including advance and special ballots. This ensures the results are accurate, complete, and trustworthy, rather than relying on preliminary counts or announcements.

A by-election is held when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between general elections, such as when an MP resigns, passes away, or is appointed to another position.

A federal election campaign gives political parties and candidates time to share their platforms, debate issues, and explain their policies, so voters can make informed choices on election day.

In first-past-the-post voting, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a riding wins the seat—even if they do not get more than 50% of the total votes. Canada uses this system for federal elections.

Federal elections in Canada are administered by Elections Canada, an independent, non-partisan agency. The cost of running federal elections is paid by the Government of Canada, not by political parties, candidates, or provinces.

A spoiled ballot is a ballot that cannot be counted because it is marked in a way that does not clearly show the voter’s choice (for example, marking more than one candidate or writing something unclear).

Before an election, registered voters in Canada receive a voter information card. This card tells them where their polling station is located and the hours it will be open, ensuring they know how to participate in the election.

A majority vote in an election occurs when a political party wins more than half the seats in the House of Commons. This allows the party to form a government and pass legislation without relying on support from other parties. It provides stability and clearer decision-making, as the governing party has a strong mandate from voters.

In Canada, election results are usually available a few hours after the polls close because votes are counted right after voting ends. Preliminary results are reported quickly, while official results are confirmed later by Elections Canada.

If you cannot vote on election day in Canada, you can use advance polls or vote by mail. These options allow all eligible voters to participate in the election even if they are away from their riding or unable to attend in person. Voting by proxy (asking someone else to vote for you) is not allowed in federal elections.

An advance poll allows eligible voters to cast their ballot before election day, making voting more convenient for those who may be busy or unavailable on the main voting day.