In Canada, our political leaders are chosen by the citizens. In federal, provincial and municipal elections, eligible citizens vote for a candidate by secret ballot. A secret ballot means you vote in private and no one can find out who you voted for. The candidate who receives the most votes will win.
Candidates in federal or provincial elections usually represent a political party, which is an organization or group sharing the same political values. These parties may differ between federal and provincial areas. Municipal candidates do not generally affiliate themselves with a political party.
In a federal election you will be voting for a candidate to represent you as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons. The leader of the political party with the most MP’s represented in the House of Commons will become the Prime Minister of Canada.
To vote in a federal election you must be:
- A Canadian Citizen
- Age 18 or older
- Registered on the voters list
For more information visit the Elections Canada website.
In a provincial election you will be voting for a candidate to represent you as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) within the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The leader of the political Party with the most MPP’s represented in the Ontario Legislature will become the Premier of Ontario.
To vote in an Ontario provincial or municipal election, you must be:
- A Canadian Citizen
- Age 18 or older
- A resident in an electoral district in Ontario
For more information visit the Elections Ontario website.
In a municipal election you will be voting for councillor(s) and a mayor to represent you at your local government.
To vote in a Municipal election, you must be:
- A Canadian Citizen (temporary and permanent residents cannot vote)
- 18 years of age or older
One of the following:
- A resident of the municipality
- Owner or tenant of property in a municipality
- A spouse of the owner or tenant of property in a municipality
For more information visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website.
