Canadian citizens over the age of 18 who are currently living abroad will still be able to participate in the 2021 federal election as long as they have previously lived in Canada, regardless of when they last lived in the country.
In order to vote, electors living abroad must be registered on the International Register of Electors. To do so, they must provide documents that prove their citizenship.
Those who are not registered can apply online or print an application form and send it to Elections Canada by mail or fax. They may also contact us to receive a printed copy of the form by mail. Those who are not sure if they are registered can call Elections Canada to check.
Elections Canada must receive completed applications for registration by Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
It is important for electors living abroad to plan ahead. It takes time for application forms to be mailed to Elections Canada and processed and for voting kits to be mailed back to electors at the international address they provided.
Completed ballots must arrive at Elections Canada in Ottawa no later than 6 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2021. Electors should consider the time it will take for their completed ballot to reach Elections Canada.
Votes cast by Canadians living abroad count in the electoral district where they last lived before leaving Canada.
