As I write this, our next federal election is a little under 19 days away. If you’re just starting your undergraduate studies, it might be your first time ever voting!
It can be confusing to figure out the whole voting process as a student. I’ve prepared this lil’ guide to help you figure out what you need to know in advance of the upcoming election, so you can vote without difficulty.
If I’m a student, do I vote in Cambridge or at home?
If you live in two places – one at school, and another while not at school – Election Canada advises you should “choose the one you consider to be home” and vote there. Remember that you may be spending more time in Cambridge over the next few years than you will be spending anywhere else – and the election in Cambridge is shaping up to be a close one!
Am I registered to vote?
If you’re 18 years old by Election Day, or otherwise haven’t voted before, you probably aren’t registered! Election Canada’s advice for first time voters is that you just register at the polling station when you go to vote. There is no need for you to register in advance.
If you have voted before, want to check in on your registration, or just want to change your registration to Cambridge, check out elections.ca/register. You can also call Elections Canada any day of the week from 7 AM to Midnight at 1-800-463-6868, if you have any questions! I have found them to be extremely helpful in the past.
I’ve voted before, and I want to vote here. Should I register in Cambridge in advance?
If you have the ID necessary to vote, you can, but you don’t have to! A major benefit to registering in advance is that you will receive a voter card in the mail which both counts as a form of ID, and also tells you where to vote. This is valuable, but not necessary, and it’s possible to vote without it.
If you want to register to vote, go to the Elections Canada registration page and follow the instructions there.
What ID do I need to register or vote?
You need two pieces of ID, both featuring your name and at least one with your address in the community in which you want to vote. In my experience, if you are a student hoping to vote in Cambridge, your best bet is a lease or a utility bill with your name printed on it, and your student card or a drivers license. The full list of necessary ID can be found online, published by Elections Canada in several places, like here.
If you don’t have the correct ID, you should look out for a roommate or classmate living in your immediate area who does. Last year’s Election Modernization Act has re-established vouching, which means someone registered at the same polling station as you (aka a close neighbour, as polling districts are tricky like that) can vouch that you are who you say you are. The person doing the vouching for you must themselves have proper ID. You should only use this plan as a last resort! It is better to have sorted out your ID in advance.
Along those lines, if you have the proper ID, you may want your voting plan to include vouching for someone who doesn’t.
When and where do I vote?
Polling stations will be announced after the writ has dropped and the election is called. If you’re reading this close to election day and you’re still unsure where your polling station is, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook or via email to sort this out.
If you’re worried about fitting voting into your schedule, consider voting at an advance poll before Election Day.
You can apply online to vote by mail. As well, if you visit the Elections Canada office here in town once the writ drops and it opens, you can vote in your home riding remotely.
What if I’m in Rome or somewhere else outside of Canada?
If it’s temporary – a co-op, or you’re studying abroad, then once the writ drops you will be able to sign up on Elections Canada’s website to receive a special ballot kit in the mail. You should do this as soon as the writ drops!
If you are a Canadian living abroad permanently, the registration process is a little different. You can start it at any time, even before the writ drops, and it can be done online.
If there are any more questions?
Please feel free to reach out to me.
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