Who Can Vote in Canadian Federal Elections

Eligibility to Vote in a Canadian Federal Election

by Susan Munroe
Susan Munroe, a public affairs and communications professional, has lived and worked in Canada for more than 30 years.
Updated March 08, 2017

To vote in a Canadian federal election you must be a Canadian citizen and be 18 or older on election day.

You must be on the voters list to vote.

Here's how to register to vote in a Canadian federal election.

Note: Since 2002, Canadians who are at least 18 years old and inmates in a correctional institution or a federal penitentiary in Canada have been allowed to vote by special ballot in federal elections, by-elections and referendums, regardless of the length of the term they are serving. Each institution appoints a staff member as a liaison officer to help with the process of registering and voting.

Who Can Not Vote in a Canadian Federal Election

The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada and the Assistant Chief Electoral Officer are not allowed to vote in a Canadian federal election.