The federal election is quickly approaching.
Party leaders and local candidates have been campaigning over the last few weeks, making promises on issues like tackling tariffs, climate change, healthcare and advancing reconciliation.
Whether you are an experienced voter or casting a ballot for the first time, the North Shore News put together a breakdown on how to vote in the 2025 federal election.
Am I registered to vote?
If you are registered to vote, a voter information card should be in your mailbox by April 11. On the card are key details like where and when you can vote, the assigned polling station and advance polling days.
If a voter still hasn’t received a voter card, people can check on the Elections Canada’s online voter registration service or call 1-800-463-6868. You can also register on site when you go to vote.
When can I vote?
General election day is on Monday, April 28 and polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Advance polling days will be from Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21 between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at a voter’s assigned voting station.
If you cannot cast a ballot on either day, there is also early voting at the Capilano University North Vancouver campus in the upper food court cafeteria on April 13 between noon and 6 p.m. and from April 14 to 16 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Voting on campus is meant for students, but any elector can register and vote on campus.
What if I can’t vote in person?
If you can’t go to a polling station to vote, people can also cast their ballot through mail. Those interested in voting through mail need to apply either online or by contacting any Elections Canada office in the country.
Once approved, the person is then mailed a voter kit. When you decide on which candidate you want to vote for, write the name of the candidate on your ballot. Then, mail the kit back to Elections Canada using a pre-addressed return envelope with prepaid postage.
The ballot must be received by general election day or it does not count.
Voters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline is April 22 at 6 p.m.
Where do I vote?
The voter’s card will have information on what your riding is and where you can vote, both on general election day and advance polling days. Voters can also search their postal code on the Elections Canada website.
What do I need to bring?
Voters need to bring their information card to cast their ballots, but also two pieces of ID.
Elections Canada has a list on their website of what pieces of ID and documents they accept. Some of these include birth certificate, health card or social insurance number card. They also accept bills like bank and credit card statements, utility bills and employee cards.
If a voter doesn’t have ID, you can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address and can only do so for one person with the exception of long-term care facilities.
Who are the candidates in my riding?
Across the North Shore, there are three ridings: North Vancouver-Capilano, Burnaby North-Seymour and West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. To figure out which riding you’re in, voters can type in their postal code on the Elections Canada’s website.
North Vancouver-Capilano riding candidates are:
- New Democratic Party (NDP) - Tammy Bentz
- Conservative Party of Canada – Stephen Curran
- Independent – Oliver King
- Green Party of Canada – Andrew Robinson
- Liberal Party of Canada - Jonathan Wilkinson (incumbent)
Burnaby North-Seymour riding candidates are:
- Liberal Party of Canada – Terry Beech (incumbent)
- New Democratic Party (NDP) - Michael Charrois
- Conservative Party of Canada – Mauro Francis
- People’s Party of Canada – Jesse Fulton
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country candidates are:
- People’s Party of Canada – Peyman Askari
- Green Party of Canada – Lauren Greenlaw
- Parti Rhinocéros Party – Gordon Jeffrey
- New Democratic Party (NDP) - Jäger Rosenberg
- Conservative Party of Canada – Keith Roy
- Liberal Party of Canada – Patrick Weiler (incumbent)
How do I properly mark my ballot?
A ballot can be rejected if it is not marked properly. Elections Canada has examples on how to properly mark a ballot. Voters can place an X, check mark, fill or draw a circle or put a line either diagonally or straight.
Check the North Shore News for more coverage on the federal election throughout April.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
aluciano@nsnews.com
https://bsky.app/profile/abbyluciano.bsky.social
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