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Elections (Voting While Abroad) - FAQ

1. Can I vote if I am living or travelling outside Canada?
   

2. How do I know if I am eligible to vote using a mail-in ballot?
   

3. How do I register to vote?
   

4. Where should I send my application?
   
   
5. What are the deadlines for voting while abroad?
   
   
6. What happens after my application has been approved?
   
   
7. Where can I get more information?
   

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1.   Can I vote if I am living or travelling outside Canada?

Canadians who are temporarily living or travelling outside Canada can, under certain conditions, vote in federal elections, by-elections, and referendums.

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 must register to vote using a mail-in ballot.

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.

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2.   How do I know if I am eligible to vote using a mail-in ballot?

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 district 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).

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3.   How do I register to vote?

You can download an Application for Registration and Special Ballot from the Elections Canada website. You can also obtain the application form 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 instructions.

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4.   Where should I send my application?

Consult the Elections Canada website for coordinates, Send your application:

By fax to 
613-998-8393
1-800-363-4796 (toll-free in the United States)

or

By mail to  
Elections Canada
440 Coventry Road
P.O. Box 9830, Station T
Ottawa, ON K1G 5W7
Canada

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5.   What are the deadlines for voting while abroad?

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. You are responsible for allowing enough time for Elections Canada to send you a special ballot voting kit 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 no later than 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.

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6.  What happens after my application has been approved?

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.

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7.   Where can I get more information?

For more information, contact Elections Canada.