There are multiple ways that you can cast your vote to make your voice heard at the federal level of government. Read below for a general overview of the ways you can vote.
The First Step: Register to Vote
Especially if this is your first time voting, it is key to ensure that you are registered to vote. You can either register ahead of time online, or register on the spot when you are voting.
If you have voted before, you’re probably already registered to vote again. But it’s always good to double check! Using the same voter registration tool, you can enter your details to confirm your info–especially if you have moved or changed your address since the last election.
After registration, you will receive information about voting from Elections Canada, such as your Voter Information Card, automatically in the future. To get helpful reminders about voting, including ways to connect fellow voters, you can also Pledge to Vote with CASA!
Option 1: Vote by special ballot - in person or by mail!
Special ballot voting is a great option for anyone, but especially those who are not going to be in their home riding by election day.
Voting by special ballot is easy! Special ballots will be cast and collected at advance polling stations, and Vote on Campus stations (like the one in SUB on April 13-16, 2025). A special ballot requires you to write the name of your preferred candidate running in your riding, before you submit your ballot either by mail or in person.
If you want or need to vote by mail, be sure to submit a request for a mail-in ballot by 6 PM on the Tuesday before voting day (that’s April 22!).
Option 2: Vote at an advance polling station
Still undecided about who to vote for after April 16, but want to vote ahead of time? In a federal election, you can vote at your assigned polling station from April 18 to April 21. Using an advance polling station means you won’t have to stay in a long line on election day, knowing your vote will be counted alongside all other voters.
Option 3: Vote on Election Day
For some folks, all fun comes from visiting their polling station on the big day! Or maybe you just wanted the maximum amount of time to consider your candidate options–that’s ok too.
Regardless, April 28 is Election Day, the last chance you have to cast your vote!
Use your voter card (which you should receive in the mail), or the online Voter Information Service to find out where you need to go, bring your ID, and get ready to check that box! Bring a friend or family member with you, and make an event of it–just be sure not to take any photos or video while you’re inside the polling station.
And that’s it! We hope that this helps you make your voting plan, and you feel more knowledgeable about how to cast your vote this election. Don’t miss our other posts in this series if you want to know more about what this election is about and how to find reliable info about the candidates hoping to represent your interests in parliament!