A federal election is now underway and for many Canadians, this may be the first year they have ever considered the option of voting by mail.
With COVID-19 still a factor, residents may not feel comfortable going out on election day or going to an advanced voting site – so here is what you need to know.
In order to vote by mail, you must officially sign up on Election Canada’s website or by contacting a local Elections’ Canada office by September 14th.
Rejean Genier with Elections Canada has more details.
Part of that Special Ballot Kit is a self addressed stamped envelope.
Once you register to vote by mail, that decision is final, and you are not allowed to change your mind and vote at a site on election day.
Elections Canada maintains that advance or election day polls is still the simplest and most efficient option and that a number of health and safety measures are in place at each polling location to keep you safe.
With that, if you want to vote by mail, deadlines do apply.
This means you must allow enough time for your special ballot voting kit to reach you and for you to return your marked ballot to Elections Canada by election day.
They say you should consider voting by mail if you are a member of a vulnerable population, a student away from home, or if you know you will be outside of your riding during advance or election day polls and prefer not to vote early at an Elections Canada office.
For more information, visit Elections Canada website.
