AFN Federal Election and Voting Information

AFN Federal Election and Voting Information

First Nations Voter Information Fact Sheet

Changes to the Canada Elections Act

Changes to the Canada Elections Act mean new requirements for voting in the upcoming federal election.

• Significant Changes:
  • Elections Canada can no longer participate in “Get out the Vote” campaigns.
  • Your Voter Information Card (VIC) can no longer be used as identification.
  • Vouching has been replaced by “Swearing an Oath” – To swear an oath for another voter you must have ID that proves your home address and identity, and can only do so for one other voter.

Advance Registration – online or by mail

• Registering ahead of time makes it easier and faster when you go to vote.
  • You can register online with a driver’s license or update your information at elections.ca .
  • You can register by mail by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.
  • You can register at the Polling Station when you go to vote, but registering in advance helps you avoid any possible problems.

ID Requirements

• Any government issued ID card with your photo, name and current home address (Driver’s License or Provincial/Territorial ID card); OR
• Two pieces of ID. Both pieces must have your name, and one must also have your current home address.
  • Examples of ID with both your name and home address include: a bank statement, utility bill or vehicle ownership.
  • Note that there is no address on most status cards, health cards, birth certificates, or passports.

Letter of Confirmation of Residence

• The “Letter of Confirmation” of residence is the best option for First Nation voters who may not have the necessary ID to vote (e.g., a driver’s license).
• First Nation Band Administrators can fill out a Letter of Confirmation for its members and provide it to them prior to voting day.

Questions

• If you have any questions about voting in the federal election you can phone Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868 or visit elections.ca.
• More information is also available from the AFN: Aaron Asselstine – 613-241-6789 (x 234) or aasselstine@afn.ca.

———————————————–

BAND LETTERHEAD

Letter of Confirmation of Residence

Jane Doe
Band Administrator (title)
First Nation/Band Name
Full Address

I, Jane Doe, hereby confirm that (enter name of elector here) is a resident or receives services at:

First Nation/Band Name
Full Address

_______________________________________                        ________________________

(Signature of Administrator)                                                       Date

If you are using this letter to confirm your address for registration, you must sign here:

______________________________________           ________________________

(Elector’s Signature)                                                                       Date

You may use this document, once completed, as proof of ordinary residence to register on the federal list of electors and to vote. You will still be required to provide a second document authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer showing your name (e.g. status card, SIN card, health card, birth certificate, etc.).

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that you vote in the electoral district that corresponds to your address.

Any person who willfully applies, except as authorized by the Canada Elections Act, to be included on a list of electors for a polling division in which he or she is not ordinarily resident commits an offence under the Canada Elections Act.