Canada is having a Federal election on April 28, 2025. We want to help you get ready to make your voice heard. We’ve collected some key information to ensure you’re ready and able to vote, and that your co-op follows all relevant election rules.

Election Campaigns and Co-ops

While housing co-ops are not specifically named in the Canada Elections Act, there are two common questions that co-op board and members often face – canvassing and election signage.

Canvassing

Co-op boards are not able to prevent a candidate or their representative from canvassing, and residents do not need to defer to their board to allow entry to canvassers between the hours of 9:00am and 9:00pm. Exceptions to this rule may be made if residents’ physical or emotional well-being may be harmed by canvassers.

Election Signage

If you live in a co-op building you cannot be asked to remove election signs in your window, balcony, or patio. However, your co-op board may be able to implement and enforce reasonable rules regarding yard signs or posters on bulletin boards and other shared spaces. These rules should align with others regarding common area usage and signage.

Casting Your Ballot

With a little bit of preparation, voting should be simple and straightforward.

Voter Registration

In order to vote in a federal election, you must be at least 18 years old on election day, be a Canadian citizen, and prove your identity and address.

Most Canadians eligible to vote are already registered, but you can visit the Elections Canada website to change your address or double check your registration information. Online changes and registrations can be made until April 22. Don’t worry if you miss the deadline – you can also register on Election Day.

Find Your Riding

Some electoral boundaries have changed since the last federal election (and are different than Provincial ridings). You can search by postal code here.

Voting Options

You don’t have to wait for Election Day to vote! Early voting starts on April 18. You can vote on select days at your assigned polling station, or any day leading up to April 22 at an Elections Canada Office using a special ballot process.

You can also vote by mail, just make sure you request your ballot by April 22.

Learn more about your voting options.

Time Off

By law, everyone who is eligible to vote must have three consecutive hours to cast their vote on election day. If your hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours to vote, your employer must give you time off. Not sure if you qualify? Learn more.

What to Bring

You can vote with as little as one piece of ID if it’s issued by the Canadian government and has your name, photo, and current address (like a driver’s license), but there are multiple options to prove your identity. If needed, someone with the same assigned polling station (like a co-op neighbour) can vouch for you. Learn more about accepted ID.

Voting Privacy

Your vote is completely secret. You cannot be compelled to tell someone how you voted, and it is not possible to find out how someone else voted. While you are, of course, welcome to tell someone who you voted for, it’s illegal to take pictures of a marked ballot. This prevents people from being intimidated or influenced to vote a certain way.

Looking for more information? Visit Elections Canada.