Canadian Civic Life: Elections Canada, Voting, and Civil Certificates
Participating in Canadian civic democracy includes registering on electoral lists, voting, and obtaining vital civil records.
Federal electoral participation in Canada is administered by Elections Canada through the National Register of Electors. Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens aged 18 or older and present acceptable identification proving identity and address at the polling station. Provincial vital statistics agencies record marriages, civil births, and legal name changes. Our guides explain how to register on the electoral roll, update your address before elections, order certified marriage certificates, and file in civil court.
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Canadian citizens who are 18+ can register online with Elections Canada. It takes about 10 minutes. Or you can just show up at a polling station with proof of address and register on the spot. Permanent residents and temporary residents cannot vote in federal elections.
5 steps · 10 minutes online · Free2025-Latest
Local police services run police record checks, not the RCMP directly. Most jobs need a basic criminal record check ($25–$50, often same day). Work with children or vulnerable adults needs a vulnerable sector check. It includes a deeper search, and it takes longer.
5 steps · 1–3 weeks (same day in some detachments) · Varies by police service; fingerprint-based checks add a $25 federal RCMP processing fee2025-Latest
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and essential rules for civic life in Canada.
Who is eligible to vote in Canadian federal elections?
To vote in a Canadian federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen and be at least 18 years old on Election Day. You must also provide proof of your identity and residential address.
Can permanent residents vote in Canadian elections?
No. Voting in Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial elections is legally restricted to Canadian citizens. Permanent residents can apply for citizenship once they meet the 1,095-day residency requirement.
What ID is accepted to vote at a Canadian federal polling station?
You can show one government-issued photo ID with your name and current address (such as a driver's licence). Or you can show two pieces of ID, both showing your name and at least one showing your address (such as a bank statement and utility bill).
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