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6 things Ottawans need to know before voting in the 2015 federal election
Fair Elections Act means changes to ID requirements
CBC News Posted: Oct 17, 2015 6:00 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 17, 2015 6:00 AM ET
When Ottawans head down to the polls on Oct. 19, things could feel a bit different this time around — in no small part because of changes to federal elections laws. (Claudiane Samson/Radio-Canada)
When Ottawans head down to the polls on Oct. 19, things could feel a bit different this time around.
The controversial Fair Elections Act, passed by the Conservative government in 2014, means there have been many changes since the last election in 2011 — including, perhaps most importantly, the identification voters need to bring with them in order to cast a ballot.
So with that in mind, here are answers to six important questions that could come up on election night.
1. What ID do I need to vote?
You need to prove your identity and address to vote in person, according to Elections Canada. The agency recommends you bring your voter information card to avoid delays, but the card isn't required.
If you are homeless, you can still vote with a letter of confirmation from a soup kitchen or shelter, along with a piece of ID.
2. Where do I vote?
If you're registered to vote, your voter information card should show the polling station where you're supposed to vote.
If you lost it or left it at home, you can also look up the information online by entering your postal code here.
3. When are voting hours?
Polls are open for 12 hours everywhere in the country, but those hours are staggered so that results will come in at roughly the same time, according to Elections Canada.
For example, once Ottawa's polls have closed, voters on the west coast will still have a half hour left to vote — leaving little time for eastern results to influence western voters.
Aside from very specific cases involving workers in the transportation industry, everyone who is eligible to vote is allowed three consecutive hours away from work to cast their ballots.
For instance, if you're an Ottawan who's scheduled to work from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on election day, your employer is legally bound by the Elections Act to give you extra time off at the start or at the end of your shift. You cannot be docked pay to go vote, either.
It is, however, the employer's decision as to when you're provided with that three-hour window.
5. Are there special provisions if I'm disabled?
Elections Canada says they make "every effort" to ensure polling places are wheelchair accessible, and that polling stations will have either an automatic door or an election worker available to help out.
Visually-impaired voters can request either Braille or large-print ballots. Voters who can't fill out a ballot by themselves can have someone help them, although that person will have to swear an oath of secrecy.
6. How do I watch the results?
CBC News will carry election results live in special coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. PT, on CBC TV, radio and streaming live at CBCNews.ca.
Fair Elections Act means changes to ID requirements
CBC News Posted: Oct 17, 2015 6:00 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 17, 2015 6:00 AM ET
When Ottawans head down to the polls on Oct. 19, things could feel a bit different this time around — in no small part because of changes to federal elections laws. (Claudiane Samson/Radio-Canada)
When Ottawans head down to the polls on Oct. 19, things could feel a bit different this time around.
The controversial Fair Elections Act, passed by the Conservative government in 2014, means there have been many changes since the last election in 2011 — including, perhaps most importantly, the identification voters need to bring with them in order to cast a ballot.
So with that in mind, here are answers to six important questions that could come up on election night.
1. What ID do I need to vote?
You need to prove your identity and address to vote in person, according to Elections Canada. The agency recommends you bring your voter information card to avoid delays, but the card isn't required.
- One piece of ID is enough if it's your driver's licence, provincial or territorial ID, or any other government-issued card printed with your name, photo and current address.
- Two pieces of other ID — including a passport, library card, or credit card statement — can be used together, as long as one has your current address.
- Browse this list of acceptable ID from Elections Canada.
If you are homeless, you can still vote with a letter of confirmation from a soup kitchen or shelter, along with a piece of ID.
2. Where do I vote?
If you're registered to vote, your voter information card should show the polling station where you're supposed to vote.
If you lost it or left it at home, you can also look up the information online by entering your postal code here.
3. When are voting hours?
Polls are open for 12 hours everywhere in the country, but those hours are staggered so that results will come in at roughly the same time, according to Elections Canada.
For example, once Ottawa's polls have closed, voters on the west coast will still have a half hour left to vote — leaving little time for eastern results to influence western voters.
- Pacific Time: 7 a.m. — 7 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 7:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 9:30 a.m. — 9:30 p.m.
- Atlantic Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
- Newfoundland Time: 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.
Aside from very specific cases involving workers in the transportation industry, everyone who is eligible to vote is allowed three consecutive hours away from work to cast their ballots.
For instance, if you're an Ottawan who's scheduled to work from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on election day, your employer is legally bound by the Elections Act to give you extra time off at the start or at the end of your shift. You cannot be docked pay to go vote, either.
It is, however, the employer's decision as to when you're provided with that three-hour window.
5. Are there special provisions if I'm disabled?
Elections Canada says they make "every effort" to ensure polling places are wheelchair accessible, and that polling stations will have either an automatic door or an election worker available to help out.
Visually-impaired voters can request either Braille or large-print ballots. Voters who can't fill out a ballot by themselves can have someone help them, although that person will have to swear an oath of secrecy.
6. How do I watch the results?
CBC News will carry election results live in special coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. PT, on CBC TV, radio and streaming live at CBCNews.ca.
