Canada’s federal election is happening on Monday, April 28 and with it just around the corner, here’s what you’ll need to know about how, when and where to vote.
To be eligible to vote you need to be a Canadian citizen, be over the age of 18 on election day and be able to prove your identity and address. Registered voters will receive a voter card through the mail that they should bring with them to the polls.
If you’re a new voter or have a new address, you can update your information by visiting an Elections Canada office, by phone or online at Elections Canada.
Where can I vote?
Students will have three opportunities to be able to vote. All voters must have a government ID with their name, address and photo, or two pieces of ID with one containing their address and the other with their photo.
On April 13 from 12–6 p.m. and April 14–16 from 9 a.m to 9 p.m., there will be voting booths located in the Nest room 4202 (the Graduate Student Society Loft).
In a statement to The Ubyssey, VP External Solomon Yi-Kieran wrote this is part of the “vote-on-campus” period and during this, special ballots will be used, meaning students registered in another riding can vote for their representative at the Nest without having to travel.
Voting by special ballot can also be done through mail. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is April 22 at 9 p.m. EST. The ballot must be received by April 28 at 9 p.m. EST.
Other opportunities students have to vote is during the advanced voting period from April 18–21 and on election day. Voting stations will be off campus and students will have to vote in their designated riding.
Yi-Kieran stressed the importance of voting to make an impact, writing “As young people, the decisions our elected leaders make at any level of government will have impacts on our lives for years to come.”
What events will be on campus?
According to Yi-Kieran, the AMS is holding three events to engage students on the election.
There was a town hall debate on April 11, which saw candidates from the Liberal Party, NDP and Green Party discuss issues like housing, graduate research funding, climate policy and more.
The AMS, in collaboration with the UBC Political Science Student Association, will be hosting a federal leaders debate watch party. The event will be at the AMS Nest Performance Theatre on April 17 at 4 p.m.
There will also be a watch party for the final results, according to Yi-Kieran, which will be held on April 28, but the exact time and location have not yet been announced.
“These events not only make sure people are thinking about the election and stay informed, but also encourage discussion and strong engagement with the issues that affect students,” wrote Yi-Kieran.
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