Canada operates as a representative democracy. During a federal election, all Canadian citizens aged 18 or older on election day have the right to vote in their electoral district. However, several steps must take place before voters can cast their ballots.
Follow the steps below to see how Canada conducts its federal election process.
Step 1: Dissolution of Parliament
Before candidates begin campaigning and voters head to the polls in a Canadian federal election, the government must end all parliamentary business through a process called dissolution.
The Prime Minister formally asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
The Governor General then instructs the Chief Electoral Officer to issue writs of election. (A writ is a formal written order directing election officials in each riding to hold an election.)
The Chief Electoral Officer issues the writs.
Elections Canada sends preliminary voter lists to returning officers, showing who is registered to vote in each riding.
Since May 2007, the Canada Elections Act has required general elections to take place on a fixed date: the third Monday of October in the fourth calendar year after the last federal election. However, the law still allows for elections to be called earlier or later, as long as they happen within five years of the previous one.
Step 2: Nomination of Candidates for Canada election
Political parties choose candidates to run in a Canadian federal election as soon as the election writs are issued. Each party selects a representative for every riding. Some individuals may also choose to run as independents or without any party affiliation.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to run in a federal election.
What are the basic requirements to become a candidate?
You must be a Canadian citizen.
You must be at least 18 years old on election day.
You cannot be:
someone who is not qualified to vote,
a member of a provincial or territorial legislature,
the Chief Electoral Officer,
a judge appointed by the Governor General,
an election officer, or
a person serving a prison sentence.
You must submit either a Nomination Paper or an online nomination form to Elections Canada.
Did you know? Ballots have included a candidate’s party affiliation since 1970.
Step 3: Campaigning
An election period in Canada begins when officials issue the writs and ends on election day. This period usually lasts between 37 and 51 days. Most candidates launch their campaigns as soon as the election is called, though some begin earlier.
Throughout the campaign, parties and candidates aim to persuade voters that they are the best choice. They:
Promote their platform, a document that outlines their goals, ideas, and principles—essentially a written plan of action if elected
Go door to door in their riding to speak directly with voters
Participate in debates with candidates from other parties
Did you know? In the 2021 federal election, 2,010 Canadians registered as candidates.
Step 4: Voting
Voting is an important civic duty. To vote in a federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day and registered to vote.
There are several ways to vote:
On election day
On advance polling days
At any Elections Canada office
By mail
In-person voting at polling stations is the most common way to vote. On average, Elections Canada has 20,000 polling stations across Canada during an election.
Official Website – Elections Canada
IPU 149th Assembly in Geneva on 13-17 October 2024
Canada: Trudeau, Christy Clark & Pierre Poilievre, What is happening in Canadian Parliament
