Canadians vote on Monday, April 28. Prime Minister Mark Carney triggered a snap election on Sunday.

Lisa Young, a political scientist with the University of Calgary, compiled this helpful information and tips for voters. Young also writes a much-read Substack about politics.

Are you eligible to vote? 

If you’re a Canadian citizen over the age of 18, then yes.

How do you get registered to vote? 

You can use the Online Voter Registration Service at elections.ca, call 1-800-463-6868, or contact your local Elections Canada office. When you vote, you can also register in person at your assigned polling place.

Where’s my assigned polling place? 

Good question. First, take a look at your driver’s license or other ID. What’s your address? Is it where you’re currently living, or home with your family? That tells you where you’re eligible to vote. Enter your postal code here, and it will tell you which electoral district you can vote in.

Canadians vote on April 28 after a 36-day campaign, the shortest allowed under the law. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

How can I vote?

You’ve got lots of options, including:

  • Vote on campus –  Approximately 120 campuses nationwide participate in the Vote on Campus program. The University of Calgary, Bow Valley College, SAIT and Mount Royal University will all have locations on the following days and times:
  • Sunday before advance polls: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday before advance polls: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday before advance polls: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday before advance polls: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Note: These operating hours may vary depending on the campus’s hours of operation. Check elections.ca during the election for updates.
  • Vote on election day (Monday, April 28) at your assigned polling station.
  • Vote on advance polling days (Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21) at your assigned polling station
  • Vote early at any Elections Canada office across the country (until Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m.)
  • Vote by mail: Electors must apply by Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. and return their special ballot by mail (deadlines apply) or in person at their local Elections Canada office before polls close on election day. Electors planning to return their special ballot by mail should plan and ensure there is enough time to receive a voting kit and return their completed ballot to Elections Canada by the deadline indicated in their kit.

Are there tools to help me make a decision? 

The 2025 CBC News Vote Compass is available here. Vote Compass is a tool developed by political scientists to help you explore how your views compare with those of the parties.

Is Elections Canada hiring for election day? 

They are. You can find information here.

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