Canada Federal Election 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Voting and Your Riding

The 2025 Canada federal election is here, and voters across the country are heading to the polls. Whether you’re new to voting or a seasoned voter, here’s everything you need to know about the process, how to find your riding, what time polls open, and more.

What is My Riding?

Canada has 343 electoral districts, often referred to as ridings. If you’re unsure which riding you belong to, you can find it quickly through Elections Canada by entering your postal code. This will give you details on which candidates are running in your area.

How to Vote in the 2025 Election

On Monday, April 28, 2025, Canadians will cast their votes in the federal election. Make sure to vote at your designated polling station. Here’s how to prepare for the big day:

• Poll Opening and Closing Times: Most polls in Ontario open from 9:30 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. Voting times differ across various time zones. For example:
  
  • Newfoundland Time: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Atlantic Time: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Eastern Time: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Central Time: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Mountain Time: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Pacific Time: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polls are open for 12 hours on election day, with specific timings based on your region.

Can I Vote If I Didn’t Register?

If you didn’t receive a voter information card or haven’t registered, don’t worry—you can still vote. Simply visit your polling station with one piece of ID that shows your name and current address. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or other government-issued ID.

What to Bring for ID

You’ll need one piece of valid identification to vote. Elections Canada accepts a range of IDs, including:

• Driver’s License
• Provincial or Territorial ID
• Any government-issued card with your photo, name, and current address.
  

Can I Get Time Off Work to Vote?

Under the Canada Elections Act, eligible employees are allowed three consecutive hours off during voting hours to cast their vote. This is at the convenience of the employer, but certain exceptions apply for those in the transportation industry. Make sure to check with your employer ahead of time.

Election Day Live Updates

Stay informed with live election results from Elections Canada. You can check results by riding and get updates as soon as they come in after polls close. Simply search your riding name or type in the first few characters of your postal code for real-time results.

Election Day is a critical part of Canada’s democracy, and every vote counts. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, ensure you know where to vote, what time your polling station is open, and bring the necessary identification. For any additional details about voting, visit Elections Canada for official guidance.

More…

• https://www.toronto.com/politics/federal-elections/canada-election-2025-vote/article_9d4a0b1d-289b-5cea-91fc-e0af7eeb4441.html
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/first-person-election-stories-1.7493393
• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cr5d13e4r2rt