Kara Sears
Voting rights in Canada have evolved over time, with the country's voting history being quite complex. Initially, in 1867, only men aged 21 or older who were British subjects or naturalized citizens and owned property could vote. This excluded the majority of the population, with only about half of adult males being eligible to vote. Today, every Canadian citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. In addition, inmates serving sentences of at least two years were previously prohibited from voting, but a 2002 Supreme Court ruling granted them the right to vote. The National Register of Electors is updated annually to reflect changes in the Canadian population, including those who have reached voting age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Nationality | Canadian citizen |
| Residence | Resided in Canada or have been abroad for fewer than five years |
| Occupation | Not the Chief Electoral Officer or the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer |
| Criminal history | Prisoners are allowed to vote |
| Military service | Members of the Canadian Armed Forces can vote at polling stations set up for the military |
| Property ownership | No longer a requirement |
| Gender | No longer a requirement |
| Race | No longer a requirement |
| Religion | No longer a factor, except for those who oppose military service |
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What You'll Learn
- Canadian citizens aged 18+ can vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer
- Inmates serving sentences of 2+ years were prohibited from voting, but this was deemed unlawful in 2002
- Non-resident citizens can vote in federal elections, regardless of time spent abroad
- First Nations women can only vote if they give up their status and treaty rights
- Conscientious objectors were deprived of voting rights from 1938-1955
Canadian citizens aged 18+ can vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer
Canada's voting history is complex, with voting considered a privilege in 1867 and only granted to men aged 21 or older who were British subjects by birth or naturalized citizens and owned property. Today, every Canadian citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer.
The right to vote in Canada has been expanded over time to include more individuals, with the property ownership requirement being removed and the voting age lowered to 18. In addition, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2002 that inmates serving a sentence of at least two years have the right to vote, and in 2019, the Court affirmed the voting rights of non-resident citizens.
Canadian citizens who are temporarily away from their riding, either inside or outside the country, can vote by special ballot. This option is also available to those who are unable to vote in person due to travel or other circumstances. Additionally, Canadian law requires employers to provide employees with time off to vote, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
While the majority of Canadian citizens aged 18 or older can vote, there are still some restrictions in place. For example, those with certain occupations, such as government workers, judges, and election officials, may be excluded from voting. However, these restrictions have been relaxed over time, with federally appointed judges gaining the right to vote in 1988.
In conclusion, Canadian citizens aged 18 or older generally have the right to vote, with some exceptions, such as the Chief Electoral Officer. The country's voting laws have evolved to become more inclusive, ensuring that most adults have a say in the democratic process.
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Inmates serving sentences of 2+ years were prohibited from voting, but this was deemed unlawful in 2002
In Canada, every citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. The Canada Elections Act initially prohibited inmates serving sentences of two years or more from voting. However, in 2002, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Sauvé v. Canada that this law violated Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states that "every citizen of Canada has the right to vote."
The case of Sauvé v. Canada centred on the voting rights of prisoners. The Supreme Court's decision in this case affirmed that all prisoners, regardless of sentence length, have the right to vote. This ruling was based on the interpretation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees certain fundamental rights to all Canadian citizens.
The Supreme Court's decision in Sauvé v. Canada had a significant impact on the voting rights of inmates in the country. As a result, all incarcerated Canadians at the provincial, territorial, or federal level gained the right to vote in elections and referendums, provided they meet the age requirement of being 18 or older on election day. To facilitate the voting process for prisoners, each institution must designate a liaison officer who works with Elections Canada. Prisoners must fill out an "Application for Registration and Special Ballot" form to register to vote, which they can obtain from their liaison officer once an election or referendum is called.
The process for prisoners to vote differs slightly from that of the general Canadian population. Prisoners vote on the 12th day before polling day, and their place of residence is not considered to be the location of their incarceration. Instead, Elections Canada determines their riding based on the first applicable option from the following list: their residence before incarceration, the residence of a spouse, common-law partner, relative, or dependent, the residence of any relative of their partner or spouse, the place of arrest, or the last court of conviction and sentencing.
In conclusion, while inmates serving sentences of two years or more were initially prohibited from voting in Canada, this restriction was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court in 2002. This ruling expanded voting rights to all prisoners, regardless of sentence length, and established procedures to facilitate their participation in the democratic process.
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Non-resident citizens can vote in federal elections, regardless of time spent abroad
In Canada, every citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote in elections. However, this right has not always been extended to all Canadians, and the country's voting history is complex. Initially, in 1867, only men over 21 who were British subjects and owned property could vote. Over time, voting rights were gradually extended to include more groups, such as women and Indigenous people, but certain restrictions remained in place for some.
In recent years, Canada has made significant strides toward ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their residence, can participate in federal elections. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Frank v Canada (AG) that non-resident citizens have the right to vote in federal elections, regardless of the time spent living outside the country. This ruling was based on Section Three of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states that "every citizen of Canada has the right to vote."
Prior to this ruling, only citizens who resided in Canada or had been abroad for fewer than five years were eligible to vote in federal elections. The 2019 decision marked a significant shift by guaranteeing that all Canadian citizens, regardless of their place of residence, could exercise their democratic right to vote. This decision aligns with the country's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all citizens have a say in choosing their representatives and shaping the country's future.
The ruling also sends a powerful message to the Canadian diaspora, acknowledging their ongoing connection to and interest in the country's political landscape. By allowing non-resident citizens to vote, Canada recognizes that its citizens living abroad remain invested in the country's affairs and should have a voice in its decision-making processes. This move strengthens the bond between the country and its citizens living overseas, fostering a sense of continued inclusion and engagement.
While the Supreme Court's decision in Frank v Canada (AG) was a pivotal moment for non-resident voting rights, it is important to note that certain restrictions on voting rights still exist for specific groups. For example, inmates serving sentences of at least two years were previously prohibited from voting, but on October 31, 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Sauvé v Canada that such a law violated the Charter, thus restoring voting rights to prisoners. Additionally, individuals with intellectual disabilities were disqualified from voting in federal elections until 1993, showcasing the ongoing evolution of voting rights in Canada.
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First Nations women can only vote if they give up their status and treaty rights
Every Canadian citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides that "every citizen of Canada has the right to vote". However, in practice, only those citizens aged 18 or older who resided in Canada or had been abroad for fewer than five years were eligible to vote in federal elections.
Historically, voting in Canada was restricted to men over the age of 21 who were British subjects by birth or naturalized citizens and owned property. Over time, voting rights were extended to a broader segment of the population, including women and racialized groups who had previously been excluded.
First Nations women in Canada have faced unique challenges when it comes to voting rights. While they were technically granted the right to vote in federal elections, they often had to give up their status and treaty rights in order to do so. This was due to the Indian Act, which was introduced with the aim of eradicating First Nations culture and assimilating them into Euro-Canadian society. The Act defined "Indian status" and set out rules and rights for First Nations peoples, including the requirement to give up their status in order to vote.
However, this began to change during the First and Second World Wars, when First Nations men and women who served in the military gained the right to vote in federal elections without giving up their Indian status. In 1960, First Nations people in Canada gained the unconditional right to vote in federal elections, regardless of their residency on reserves or their Indian status. Despite these advancements, voter turnout among First Nations people has tended to be lower than that of the general population.
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Conscientious objectors were deprived of voting rights from 1938-1955
Canada's voting history is complex, with many groups having been excluded from voting rights over the years. Today, every Canadian citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. However, this has not always been the case, and Canada's voting laws have evolved over time to become more inclusive.
In the past, various restrictions were placed on voting rights in Canada, often based on factors such as gender, age, citizenship, and property ownership. For example, until 1920, a property-based qualification required voters to own property, pay rent, or meet a certain annual income threshold. Additionally, certain groups, such as Indigenous peoples, people of Chinese origin, and individuals of Japanese, South Asian, and Black descent, faced racial discrimination and were disenfranchised from the voting process.
One notable group that faced voting restrictions in Canada were conscientious objectors, who were deprived of their voting rights from 1938 to 1955. Conscientious objectors are individuals who oppose military service for reasons of conscience or religious belief. During times of war, their opposition to bearing arms was often seen as a threat to national security and unity. This resulted in their disenfranchisement, along with that of other religious groups such as the Mennonites and Doukhobors, who shared similar beliefs regarding military service.
The struggle for voting rights in Canada has been a long and ongoing process, with various groups advocating for their right to participate in the democratic process. In 1955, the provision disqualifying conscientious objectors was abolished, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive and just electoral system in Canada. This change was part of a broader effort to eliminate racial and religious discrimination in Canadian law and society.
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Frequently asked questions
Every Canadian citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote. This includes expat Canadians and non-resident citizens, regardless of how long they've lived outside the country. Inmates also have the right to vote, except for the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer.
Canadian citizens who are temporarily away from their riding, either inside or outside Canada, can vote by special ballot.
Voters must declare their identity and address in writing and have someone who knows them vouch for them. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address and must reside in the same electoral district or adjacent electoral district as the person being vouched for.
