Maple News reports that Canadian citizens overseas can still have their voice heard in the upcoming federal election—by casting their vote through the mail. With a firm deadline of Tuesday, September 14, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, eligible Canadians living away from home must act quickly to participate.
To qualify, voters must be at least 18 years old by election day (September 20) and hold Canadian citizenship. Importantly, you do not need to currently reside in Canada, but you must have lived in Canada at some point to be eligible. The registration process involves three key steps: applying to vote by mail, receiving a voting kit, and returning your vote before the deadline.
Step one is registration. Canadians abroad must sign up via the Elections Canada website to be added to the International Register of Electors. You will need valid ID—such as a Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or birth certificate—to prove your identity, age, and citizenship. A former Canadian address is also required. If you lack proper documents, it’s still possible to vote, but another registered voter from your former riding must vouch for you in writing.
Even expired identification is acceptable, and Elections Canada lists 49 acceptable types of ID. For those in countries without easy access to printing, embassies and consulates can help by printing the application forms, though they don’t process vote kits themselves.
Once approved, you’ll receive your mail-in ballot kit. Maple News emphasizes the importance of returning your completed ballot as soon as possible—Elections Canada will not count any votes received after election day, regardless of when they were sent.
Voters can track their registration and voting kit shipment online using their reference number and last name. With international mail times varying, early action is key to ensuring your vote is counted.
This process provides a crucial democratic link to citizens abroad, ensuring Canada’s electoral system remains inclusive and representative, even beyond its borders.