It’s voting time!
Not much news Monday except that it’s election day. People are being reminded that, in federal elections, if you’re a citizen you can vote even if you weren’t on the list, if you present government‑issued ID and a proof of address.
(I showed up at the advance poll with my voter card, my health card and a sheaf of documents to prove my address, but I was not asked to do that.)
EmilyG 12:27 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
I brought my voter card, health card, passport, and a piece of mail with my address on it, just in case I needed any of those items. I showed my health card and voter card and they accepted those. I think maybe the voter card counts as proof of address.
EmilyG 12:27 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
(when I voted in an advance poll)
maggie rose 13:07 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
I just heard an Elections Canada rep on CBC say we can even use a credit card with our name on it and mailed items like bills for proof of address.
Kate 13:10 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
I had a bank statement and a prescription receipt from the pharmacy.
Since most things now are done by email, it’s harder to scrounge up documents on paper.
jeather 14:12 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
You are allowed to just show your hydro bill (or whatever) on a phone if you get it electronically.
EmilyG 22:17 on 2025-04-28 Permalink
I just heard of someone using a prescription bottle as proof of address, and it was accepted.
Janet 08:08 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
This election I was registered in my boyfriend’s riding in the Townships whereas I normally vote in Ville-Marie. So at the advance poll, I unthinkingly presented them with my driver’s licence with a photo and my Montreal address. The nice lady checked me against my photo and gave me my ballot without a word.
Anton 08:48 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
Just y’all don’t tell Mr Orange about all that widespread voter fraud, we won’t hear the end of it.
Chris 09:28 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
If that’s the extent of identification checks that are done, it’s no wonder so many worry about voter fraud.
Kevin 11:10 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
Worrying about voter fraud is a right-wing issue. It’s up there with talking about violent crime (aside from gun deaths committed by people with legally-owned firearms) as a way to proclaim that Society Is Breaking Down And We Need Strict Laws And Punishments That Only Our Government Will Provide.
azrhey 12:21 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
I usually use my health card + Hospital Card for address when I don’t have my voting card with me… has always worked
Nicholas 18:36 on 2025-04-29 Permalink
A lot of people get confused as to what’s accepted. Federally you do not need a photo, you do not need something issued by a government, and it’s ok if there’s a wrong address on one document. You can present either a non-foreign govt document with name, address and photo, OR two documents from any source, one with the name and one with the name and address. An old address on one document doesn’t invalidate its use to prove your name, so if your other document has the correct address then you’re fine. Election staff do not ensure the photo matches your face, nor use a blacklight to ensure the document is real. The card mailed to your home is an acceptable piece of ID. Electronic documents are valid, shown electronically or printed, but photos of physical documents are not. Expired documents are ok. And you can also be vouched for by someone who votes at the same box you do and has ID. (And note I said federally; Quebec and municipal elections have different standards for ID and registration.)
Kate 10:58 on 2025-04-30 Permalink
Thank you, Nicholas.
Ian 19:12 on 2025-04-30 Permalink
To add to Kevin’s explanation, the point of concern trolling about voter fraud is to create disenfranchisement. It’s easier to control a population that thinks voting doesn’t matter and that the elected government isn’t valid.