How to vote in this year’s federal election

We’ve voted provincially during a global pandemic, and now, as we may be heading into a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases, it’s time to vote federally.

Elections Canada is providing four different options to voters, including voting in-person on advanced polling days at your assigned polling station, voting in-person on election day at your assigned polling station, voting by mail or voting at an Elections Canada office.

Here’s the details on these options for this September, and some things to know before you go.

What to do beforehand, what to bring and where to go

•             Make sure you’re registered to vote.

Getting a voter information card in the mail is confirmation that you’re registered. If you don’t get one, you can register online using the Online Voter Registration Service or register in-person on an eligible day to vote.

•             Know where you need to vote, if you’re voting in-person.

Your voter information card will have your assigned polling station on it, or you can find this out from using the Voter Information Service online.

•             Bring: your information voter card if you have one, accepted pieces of ID that prove your identity and address and some patience because Elections Canada’s website says, “Plan early. During a pandemic, things can take a bit more time.”

Voting in-person on advance polling days

•             Timeline is Friday, Sept. 10 through to Monday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

•             Vote at your assigned polling station.

Voting in-person on election day

•             Timeline is Monday, Sept. 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. if you’re in the Pacific Time Zone.

•             Vote at your assigned polling station.

Voting by mail

•             Before Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., apply to vote by mail so you will be sent a voting kit.

•             When you receive your kit anywhere upwards of 72 hours from when you applied, you write the candidate’s name down on the ballot and then mail it back in the prepaid envelope, following the kit’s instructions.

Voting at an Elections Canada office

•             Timeline is any time before Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

•             Once open, Elections Canada offices will be open to cast your ballot all week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and then 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.