Advance Polls for Canadian Federal Election Open April 18

Elections Canada signage is seen at an advance polling location, in Toronto, on April 18, 2025. The Canadian Press/Laura Proctor

Advance voting polls are opening April 18 for Canadians to cast a ballot in the April 28 federal election.

Registered voters will be able to cast a ballot between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. from April 18 to 21.

Those wanting to participate in advance voting will need their voter information card, which Elections Canada said should have been received by April 11.

For the federal election, voters can only cast a ballot at their assigned polling station, which can be found on voter information cards or at Elections Canada. Polling stations for advance polling could be different than for election day, according to Elections Canada.

Voters will need to present identification that verifies their name and address, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued identification. For voters who do not have government identification, they can show two pieces of ID, such as a voter information card, bank statement, student identification card, or utility bill.

Those who do not have identification can still vote by declaring in writing their identity and address, and have someone who knows the individual to vouch for them. The person vouching for the voter must be able to prove their identity and address. Individuals are only able to vouch for one person, except in long-term care facilities, Elections Canada said.

Those looking to avoid lineups for advance voting should avoid going between 10 a.m. and noon, which is normally peak time for advance polls, Elections Canada said.

Those who wish to vote by special ballot have until 6 p.m. on April 22 to apply, and their completed ballots must be received by April 28.

“Special ballots received after the deadline on election day cannot be counted,” Elections Canada said.

Voters who have not received a voter information card can still register online at Elections Canada.

On-campus voting was held from April 13–16 at 109 Vote on Campus offices. Voting at campus locations was open to anyone, not just students, Elections Canada said. 

Leaders from the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, NDP, and Bloc Québécois participated in two debates this week, a French-language debate on April 16 and an English-language debate on April 17. Candidates are still campaigning until election day later this month.