How a Federal Election Works in Canada

Voting is one of the main things that changes when you become a citizen, and the chapter on federal elections is one of the most practical in Discover Canada. This follows the guide's chapter on federal elections, checked on 23 September 2026.

When elections happen

Federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election. The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General to call an earlier election.

Ridings and MPs

Canada is divided into electoral districts, also known as ridings or constituencies. Each is a geographical area represented by one member of Parliament, who represents the people there as well as all Canadians. The candidate who receives the most votes in a riding becomes its MP.

Discover Canada gives the number of electoral districts as 308. The number is redrawn after each census, so check Elections Canada for the current count.

Who can run

Canadian citizens 18 or older may run in a federal election. The people who run are called candidates, and a riding can have many.

Who can vote

You can vote in a federal election if you are:

• a Canadian citizen
• at least 18 years old on voting day
• on the voters' list

The lists come from the National Register of Electors, kept by Elections Canada, a neutral agency of Parliament. Once an election is called, Elections Canada mails a voter information card saying when and where to vote. You can be added to the voters' list at any time, including on election day. If you cannot vote on election day, you can vote at an advance poll or by special ballot.

The secret ballot

Canadian law secures the right to a secret ballot. No one can watch you vote, and no one, including family members, your employer or a union representative, has the right to insist that you tell them how you voted. To vote, you mark an "X" in the circle beside the candidate of your choice, fold the ballot and hand it to the poll officials.

After the election

The leader of the party with the most seats is invited by the Governor General to form the government and becomes Prime Minister.

• If the party in power holds at least half the seats, it is a majority government.
• If it holds less than half, it is a minority government.

The government stays in power as long as it has the confidence of a majority of MPs. A vote on a major issue such as the budget is a matter of confidence. The party with the next most seats is the Official Opposition, whose role is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals.

For the test

Remember third Monday in October, 18 to vote or run, and the difference between majority and minority. Our study notes on federal elections and the practice questions cover the rest.