RESOURCES
Living outside Canada does not mean giving up your vote. Canadian citizens abroad can vote in federal elections by special ballot from anywhere in the world. Here is how it works, with links to the official Elections Canada resources.
CIPA is an independent association, not affiliated with the Government of Canada or Elections Canada. This page is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: July 26, 2026.
WHO CAN VOTE
You can vote in Canadian federal elections from anywhere in the world if you are a Canadian citizen, will be 18 or older on election day, and have lived in Canada at some point. There is no limit on how long you have been away.
Ways to vote (Elections Canada)REGISTER ONCE
Register once and Elections Canada automatically mails you a special ballot voting kit whenever a federal election is called. You can register online or by mail with a copy of your Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or birth certificate. Your ballot counts in the riding of your last Canadian address, and that address cannot be changed after you are added to the Register, so enter it carefully.
Register as an elector living abroad (Elections Canada)STAY REGISTERED
Registration is not set-and-forget. Elections Canada periodically emails electors on the International Register to confirm they still live abroad, with a deadline to respond. If you do not reply by the deadline, your name is removed from the Register. If you receive a verification notice, respond promptly, and confirm any email is legitimate through Elections Canada's official site or phone lines before sharing information.
Voting by mail and current mailings to electors abroad (elections.ca)CASTING YOUR BALLOT
Your voting kit arrives by mail once an election is called. Complete it and send it back promptly: your ballot must reach Elections Canada in Ottawa by 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on election day. Many Canadian embassies and consulates also accept completed ballots and courier them back at no cost to you.
Apply to vote by mail (Elections Canada)Find a Canadian embassy or consulate (travel.gc.ca)Want updates when we refresh these guides and add new resources?
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