Voting and elections
Publications
CANELECTGENS
General Information
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects every Canadian citizen’s right to vote. Canadian Armed Forces members will find below important information regarding Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial electoral events.
During a federal general election, the coordinating officer designated by the Minister of National Defence pursuant to the Canada Elections Act cooperates with Elections Canada, with liaison officers designated by the Minister and with unit commanding officers. Together, they ensure that Canadian Armed Forces electors may exercise their right to vote at military polling stations located in Canada and around the world.
During a federal by-election or a provincial or territorial general election, the coordinating officer cooperates with Elections Canada or with the appropriate provincial or territorial chief electoral officer and with unit commanding officers. Together, they ensure that information regarding registration and voting opportunities is transmitted to Canadian Armed Forces members.
In December 2018, Parliament approved important modifications to the Canada Elections Act. These changes will significantly improve the accessibility of the federal electoral system for Canadian Armed Forces electors.
Voting by Canadian Armed Forces electors
Federal Elections
- Voting by Canadian Forces Electors During a Federal Electoral Event (Link to external site)
- Voting changes for Canadian Armed Forces members
Upcoming Provincial and Territorial Elections
Points of Contact
CAF Coordinating Officer Special Voting Rules (SVR)
Captain (Navy) James Salt
Chief Military Personnel
National Defence Headquarters
Carling Campus
60 Moodie Dr.
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2
Telephone: (613) 904-6031
Elections Canada
In Writing:
Elections Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M6
By Telephone:
- 1-800-463-6868, toll-free in Canada or the United States;
- at 001-800-514-6868, toll-free in Mexico;
- at 613-993-2975 from anywhere in the world;
- for the hearing impaired at TTY 1-800-361-8935, toll-free in Canada and the United States
By Fax: 613-954-8584 or 1-888-524-1444, toll-free in Canada and the United States
Over the Internet: Elections Canada Online