expat life

How to Vote as a Canadian Living Abroad: Expat Voting Guide

Canadian citizens can vote from anywhere in the world. Here's exactly how to register and cast your ballot in federal elections while living abroad.

Published 2026-04-15 · 7 minute read

Since a landmark 2019 Supreme Court ruling, ALL Canadian citizens can vote in federal elections regardless of how long they've lived abroad. Previously, expats lost their right to vote after five years outside Canada. That restriction was struck down as unconstitutional. Here's how to exercise your right from anywhere in the world.

Who Can Vote from Abroad

Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or older can vote in federal elections from abroad. There are no residency requirements or time limits. Whether you've been abroad for 6 months or 20 years, you can vote. This applies to federal elections and referendums — provincial elections have different rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Register

  • Visit Elections Canada's website (elections.ca) and go to the International Register of Electors
  • Fill out the application form online (or download and mail a paper form)
  • Provide proof of Canadian citizenship (passport number)
  • Provide your last Canadian address (this determines your riding)
  • Submit the application — you'll receive confirmation by email
  • Once registered, you stay on the register until you remove yourself or return to Canada

How to Cast Your Ballot

Option 1: Mail-In Ballot (Most Common)

After an election is called, Elections Canada mails a special ballot package to your international address. Fill it out and mail it back. Your ballot must reach Elections Canada by election day. Allow 2-3 weeks for international mail. You can also download the ballot package and courier it back.

Option 2: Vote at a Canadian Embassy or Consulate

Some Canadian embassies and consulates offer in-person voting during election periods. Check with your nearest diplomatic mission for availability. This option isn't available at all missions, so confirm in advance.

Your Riding (Electoral District)

You vote in the riding where you last lived in Canada. If you lived in Toronto's Spadina-Fort York before moving abroad, that's your riding. You'll vote for candidates running in that specific district. If you've never lived in Canada, you can use the riding where your parent last lived.

Provincial Elections

Provincial voting rules vary and are generally more restrictive than federal rules. Most provinces require you to have been a resident within the past few years. Ontario allows voting if you've been gone less than 2 years and intend to return. BC allows 2 years. Quebec has no time limit for citizens who left as adults.

Important Deadlines

  • Register as an international voter as early as possible (don't wait for an election call)
  • Once an election is called, request your ballot immediately
  • Mail your ballot back at least 2-3 weeks before election day
  • Your completed ballot must arrive at Elections Canada by 6:00 PM ET on election day
  • Late ballots are not counted — no exceptions

Common Questions

Can I vote if I've never lived in Canada? Yes, if a parent previously lived in Canada. Can I vote for the Senate? No, senators are appointed. Can dual citizens vote? Yes, Canadian citizenship is what matters. Will voting affect my tax status? No, voting has no impact on your CRA tax residency status.

Voting from abroad is your constitutional right as a Canadian citizen. The process is straightforward once you're registered. Take five minutes to register today and you'll be ready whenever the next election comes.