The Voting Process
One important way that citizens in a democracy can participate in the democratic process is by voting. When citizens vote, they share their opinions, which influence the decisions being made by politicians. Voting is a right that Canadian citizens gain when they turn 18 and is one of the key freedoms we have as individuals..
*This example illustrates how voting occurs for a federal election.*
Step 1:
Register to vote. Your registration must include your current address.
Step 2:
The government will send you a voter’s information card in the mail.
Step 3:
Watch for the specific dates that you are allowed to vote in person OR vote by mail. (Note that there will be advanced polls before election day.)
Step 4:
Research the candidates in your riding. Learn about the party they represent, their political beliefs, and their position on issues that matter to you.
Step 5:
Based on your registered address, you will be assigned a specific polling station on election day. Make sure to show up at the right polling station with your voter card and personal identification.
Step 6:
Once you are at your registered polling station on election day, you must show proof of your identity and address. Commonly, people use their driver’s license, but there are several other ways to prove your identity.
Step 7:
Each registered voter gets one ballot from Elections Canada officer.
Step 8:
The voter takes the ballot behind a voting screen and marks an X beside the name of their chosen candidate. (Not a checkmark or any other symbol!)
Step 9:
Place your marked ballot in the box to submit your vote.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.