What is the National Register of Electors?

Citizenship in Canada brings the privilege of voting. Whether you may vote federally, or cast a ballot when a federal referendum is held, depends on three conditions. You have to hold Canadian citizenship. You must be 18 or older on the day you vote. And your name has to appear on the voters' list. The three go together. If any one of them is missing, you cannot vote.

The voters' lists used at federal elections and referendums are drawn from the National Register of Electors. That register is a permanent database. It holds the names of citizens aged 18 and over who qualify to vote. Looking after it is the job of Elections Canada. Elections Canada is an agency of Parliament, and it is neutral, meaning it takes no party's side. The same lists are used for referendums as for elections.

When an election is called, a voter information card goes out by mail from Elections Canada. Everyone whose name appears in the National Register of Electors receives one. On the card you will find the time and place of your vote. A phone number is printed there as well, for anyone who needs an interpreter or another special service. Suppose your name is not in the Register, or no card arrives — you may still join the voters' list at any point, election day included. If a card did reach you, vote at the polling station it lists, either early at an advance poll or on election day.