How to vote in the Canadian Federal Election 2015 while living abroad

Are you a Canadian citizen living abroad during the upcoming federal election? Did you know you can still vote? You can with the Elections Canada special ballot.

You can use the special ballot if you are:

• In the Canadian forces,
• If you will not be in your riding on election day (due to travel inside or outside of Canada),
• OR, Living outside of Canada and have been for less than 5 years and intend on returning.

You will need to go to the Elections Canada website and fill out the special ballot application form and mail, fax or present it in-person to any Canadian diplomatic or consular office with the proper copies of your identification.

The Canadian government will need to receive your documents by 6PM EST on October 13, 2015 AT THE LATEST to be able to get you your voting kit. That being said, you will also need to give yourself enough time to mail it in. Your ballot MUST be received prior to 6 PM EST on October 19, 2015 (Election Day). So don’t waste any time – get on it ASAP.

So, to recap. You live abroad, are not at home during election day or you are in the Canadian forces and you still want to be an awesome Canadian and vote in the election. You will need to do the following:

1. Click Here: Voting by Mail While Inside or Outside Canada (NOW!)
2. Fill out the form (TODAY)
3. Return the form with copies of your ID to Elections Canada (Before October 13 – but do it TODAY, to be safe)
4. Receive your voting kit and fill out your ballot (FIVE SECONDS AFTER YOU GET IT)
5. Send your ballot back to Elections Canada (As soon as the post office/courier opens!!)

You’re all set. If you haven’t been paying attention to the parties – check out this short guide to get educated for the 2015 Federal Election.