Change of address on my voter registration in Canada
Government agencies in charge of federal and provincial elections require you to register your address changes with them. In the spirit of simplification, we gathered them all together and created detailed guides for you right here. We hope it helps!
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION CANADA (FEDERAL)
What is the Election Canada?
Elections Canada is the sole agency responsible for administering Canadian federal elections. Its responsibility is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their choices in federal elections and referendums through an open and impartial process and its primary task is to be prepared at all times to administer an electoral event. It is important to change your address on your voter registration with Elections Canada to ensure you can participate in federal elections.
Who must notify Election Canada of a change of address?
You must inform Election Canada if you have the right to vote in Canada. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election Canada?
To change your address on your voter registration with Elections Canada, you have two options:
- Use the Online Voter Registration Service;
- Contact Elections Canada to request a registration form at: 1 800 463 6868 or at 1 800 361 8935 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Complete the form, sign it and mail it, along with a copy of your proof of identity and address, to:
Elections Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M6
What you should know !
The online service accepts only three address types:
- civic address (this is the most common address type, with a house or building number and street name – for example, 123 Main Street)
- lot and concession (in some rural areas of Ontario only)
- Section-Township-Range-Meridian (in some rural areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia only)
If your home address does not fall into one of these address types, you unfortunately can’t use the online service. For example, some addresses in rural areas and on reserves are not recognized by the online service. In this case, contact Elections Canada directly at the phone numbers listed above.
Also note that If you are registering for the first time, this service will ask for the number from your driver’s licence or provincial/territorial ID card. If you do not have an accepted ID card, you can directly contact Elections Canada as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to update your address on your voter registration?
It is important to update your address on your voter registration so that Elections Canada updates its database accordingly. Elections Canada keeps voter registration accurate and up to date by keeping it in a database called the National Register of Electors.
It’s not only important for you to update your address on your voter registration, it is also required by law. People who register to vote must affirm that the information provided is current and correct. Under the Canada Elections Act, it’s in fact illegal to make false statements about voter registration information, and those convicted will face penalties!
If I update my voter registration with Elections Canada, will the update be sent to my provincial, territorial or municipal elections agency?
Upon request, Elections Canada will share voter registration information (i.e. name, address, date of birth, gender and unique identifier number) with the elections agencies in most provinces and territories and with some municipalities. Note, however, that there usually is a time of delay of several weeks or months before the voter info is sent and finally gets reflected in the respective provincial, territorial and municipal voters lists.
If your province or territory is having an election soon, it is recommended to call your provincial or territorial elections agency directly to update the information on your voter registration.
If I update my address on my voter registration, will the change be reflected on my driver’s licence too?
Unfortunately no. If you want to change your address on your driver’s licence, you should contact your driver’s licence agency directly. For help on doing so in Ontario, refer to this detailed guide we’ve put together.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION ONTARIO
What is the Election Ontario?
Elections Ontario is the non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario responsible of running provincial elections and referenda in Ontario. It is important to change your address on your voter registration when you move to make sure your personal information is updated in Elections Ontario’s database, as well as ensuring you receive a ballot during provincial elections.
Who must notify Election Ontario of a change of address?
You must inform Election Ontario if you have the right to vote in Ontario. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election Ontario?
To change your address with Elections Ontario, you can do it in two ways:
- Online using e-Registration;
- By submitting an Application for an Update to the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario form, along with a photocopy of proof of name and residential address. Return these two documents by mail to:
Elections Ontario Permanent Register of Electors
51 Rolark Drive Toronto, ON
M1R 3B1
If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact Elections Ontario at: 1-888-668-8683 or the TTY line at 1-888-292-2312.
What you should know !
To ease the process, make you you have the below information in hand when contacting Election Ontario.
- One piece of documentation that shows your new address
- One document that shows your name, such as a utility bill.
These can be in the same or separate documents. You can check a full list of acceptable identification documents here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move outside of Ontario? Can I still vote?
If you are temporarily living outside of Ontario or are in the inability to vote at an advance voting location or on election day, you may be eligible to vote by special ballot. To do so, you need to complete an application form and provide one piece of identification that includes both your name and residential address.
Eligible voters who are temporarily living outside of the province also have the option of adding their names to the Register of Absentee Electors. Voters whose names are on this Register will automatically receive a special ballot kit by mail when a general election or a by-election in their electoral district is called. This special ballot kit allows them to vote by mail using a write-in ballot.
To add your name to the Register of Absentee Electors, you need to fill out an application form, as well as providing a photocopy of an identification document that includes your name. To obtain a form, you can:
- Download it here;
- Contact Elections Ontario at 1 416 649-1046;
- Email Elections Ontario at sb@elections.on.ca.
To submit your completed application form, you can:
- Scan your application and your identification document and email them as an attachment to sb@elections.on.ca.
- Mail your application and a photocopy of your identification document to Elections Ontario, Special Ballot, 51 Rolark Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1R 3B1
- Fax your application and a copy of your identification document to 1-416-212-8723 or toll free in Canada and USA at 1-888-483-4448.
Note that Elections Ontario must receive your application and a copy of your identification document no later than 6:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) six days before election day.
What if I don’t have a permanent address?
If you don’t have a permanent address, Elections Ontario considers the place where you have returned to most often to eat or sleep in the past five weeks your residence.
On the other hand, if you do not have an identification document that includes both your name and residential address, Elections Ontario can provide you with a temporary form of identification called a Certificate of Identity and Residence, that can be used to meet the requirements to receive a ballot. To receive this certificate, you can speak to the administrator of a housing help center or food bank that you usually use.
Lastly, when you change your address with your provincial voting institution, that change isn’t necessarily reflected on your voter registration with the federal voting institution, Elections Canada.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION QUEBEC
What is the Élection Québec?
The Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec (Directeur général des élections du Québec – DGEQ) designates both a person and an institution, reporting directly to the National Assembly. The DGEQ plays an important role in Quebec politics as it oversees the holding of elections and referendums. It also has for mission to ensure compliance with political financing rules, guarantee the full exercise of election rights, and promote the democratic values of Quebec.
Who must notify Élection Québec of a change of address?
You must inform Élection Québec if you have the right to vote in the province of Quebec. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election Quebec?
To complete your change of address with the DGEQ/Élections Québec, three options are available to you:
- Free of charge on MovingWaldo
- Using Service québécois de changement d’adresse (SQCA).
- Contacting the Information Centre of Élections Québec (outside an election period) by email or by phone
For identity verification purposes, please note you will be required to provide information about your identity, as well as a photocopy of an identification document (if necessary).
What you should know !
If you are moving during an election period, you can vote at the location of your new home. To do so, you simply have to change your address at the revision office (or board of revisors) associated with your new address. You can easily find your electoral division using “Find your electoral division”, Élections Québec’s online tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to change my address with the DGEQ/Élections Québec ?
To exercise your right to vote.
For which elections is the change of address to the DGEQ/Élections Québec valid?
The Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec ensures the holding of elections and referendums for provincial, municipal and school elections. The change of address completed with Élections Québec is therefore valid at those three levels (provincial, municipal, school).
For federal elections, you must make your change of address with Élections Canada. You can go directly through their Online Voter Registration Service. Note, however, that if you were registered with Élections Canada before moving, you most likely still are registered to vote.
Do I have to advise the DGEQ/Élections Québec if I’m outside of Quebec? Can I still vote?
You’re outside of Quebec but want to vote? It’s definitely possible ! However, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a qualified elector:
- Be 18 years old or older on election day;
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Not be under curatorship
- Not have lost your election rights
- Have been domiciled in Québec for at least 12 consecutive months at the time of your departure.
- Have the intend to return to Québec.
- Have been outside of Québec for two years or less.
Note that the 2-year period does not apply in the following cases:
- If you are employed on behalf of the Government of Quebec or the Government of Canada, outside of Quebec;
- If you hold a job for an international organization of which Québec or Canada are members and to which they pay a contribution;
- The two-year period also does not apply to your spouse or your dependents, to the extent that they are qualified electors and live with you outside Québec.
Lastly, when you change your address with your provincial voting institution, that change isn’t necessarily reflected on your voter registration with the federal voting institution, Elections Canada.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION BRITISH-COLUMBIA
What is the Election BC?
Elections BC is the non-partisan office of the British Columbia legislature. Its responsibilities include conducting and administering provincial general elections and by-elections, recall petitions and referenda in British Columbia. It is crucial to notify Elections BC of your change of address to make sure your personal information is updated on your voter registration, as well as ensuring you receive a ballot during the next provincial elections.
Who must notify Election BC of a change of address?
You must inform Election BC if you have the right to vote in BC. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election BC?
To change your address on your voter’s registration, four options are offered to you:
- Online through the Online Voter Registration system;
- By calling Elections BC Voter Services at 1-800-661-8683;
- By filling out this form and either mailing it, faxing it or emailing it;
- Mailing address: PO Box 9275 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9J6
- Fax: 250-387-3578 & Toll-free Fax: 1-866-466-0665
- Email: voterservices@elections.bc.ca
Also, next time you vote, you can update the information on your voter registration.
What you should know !
When changing your address for your voter registration, you’ll need to provide one of the following documents:
- your B.C. driver’s licence number,
- your B.C. Identification Card number,
- the last six digits of your Social Insurance Number, or
- the last six digits of your Personal Health Number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am registered to vote?
No worries! You can always check your voter registration if you’re not sure whether you’re even registered or whether the information on it is up to date. All you got to do is contact Elections BC Voter Services at 1-800-661-8683.
Lastly, when you change your address with your provincial voting institution, that change isn’t necessarily reflected on your voter registration with the federal voting institution, Elections Canada.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION ALBERTA
What is the Election Alberta?
Elections Alberta is the independent office responsible for conducting provincial elections, by-elections and referenda within the province of Alberta. The office also manages political parties and candidates. It is crucial to notify Elections AB of your change of address to make sure your personal information is updated accordingly on your voter registration.
Who must notify Election Alberta of a change of address?
You must inform Election Alberta if you have the right to vote in Alberta. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election Alberta?
There are two ways for you to change your address with Elections AB:
- Online through the voterlink portal;
- Call Elections AB at 780-427-7191
- Hours of operation: Mon-Fri: 8:15am to 12pm & 1pm to 4:30pm
What you should know !
- When updating your information with voterlink, you will need to have in hand n Alberta Driver’s Licence or an Alberta Identification Card
- When you update your information using voterlink, it shouldn’t take more than five minutes to complete your demand
Frequently Asked Questions
I am travelling or working outside of Alberta. How do I vote?
If you are outside of Alberta on Election Day, you have to vote using the address of your “ordinary residence”, meaning the place where you usually live and plan on returning to after your absence.
Two options are offered for people in your situation:
- You can vote an advance poll, which take place the week prior to Election Day. This is the recommended option if you are able to make it. Advance polls are open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 8pm.
- You can apply for a Special Ballot, either:
- In writing
- By telephone: 780-427-7191
- By fax or email
- Fax: 780-422-2900
- Email: info@elections.ab.ca
- In person at Elections AB’s main office:
- Suite 100, 11510 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2Y5
Canada
- Online, by filling out a Special Ballot Request
Note that since special ballots are sent by mail, consider contacting Elections AB early enough for the special ballot to reach you in time.
I am studying outside of Alberta. How do I vote?
If you plan on returning to Alberta after your studies, you can request a special ballot and use your previous Alberta address as your ordinary address.
Lastly, when you change your address with your provincial voting institution, that change isn’t necessarily reflected on your voter registration with the federal voting institution, Elections Canada.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITH ELECTION MANITOBA
What is the Election Manitoba?
Elections Manitoba is the office responsible of conducting Manitoba’s provincial elections, by-elections and referendums, as well as ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote. Elections Manitoba keeps a list called the Manitoba Voter Register, that contains information on eligible voters. This information includes the voters’ address so that the register can assign each voter to a voting area and voting place within an electoral division. That’s why notifying Elections MB of your new address is important!
Who must notify Election Manitoba of a change of address?
You must inform Election Manitoba if you have the right to vote in Manitoba. You must be 18 years and older.
How to change your address with Election Manitoba?
There are two ways for you to change your address with Elections MB:
- Call the Elections MB office
Phone: 204-945-3225
Toll-free: 1-866-628-6837
- Visit the Elections MB office
120 – 200 Vaughan Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1T5
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if I am eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote if you are:
- a Canadian citizen;
- 18 years of age on or before election day;
- a resident of Manitoba for at least six months before election day; and
- in the case of a by election, a resident of the electoral division in which the by election is being held.
What if I am not registered to vote?
No worries! You can register at the voting place on election day! You just have to sign and oath don’t forget to bring either:
- A government issued photo identification, or
- Driver’s licence
- Enhanced Manitoba identification card
- Passport
- Treaty card
- Two other documents with your name
- Manitoba Health card
- Social Insurance card
- Utility bill
- Credit card
For more information on acceptable ID documents, you can refer to this detailed guide on Elections MB’s site.
Can I still vote even if I’m living outside of Manitoba?
Yes, you can apply for absentee voting! You can be an absentee voter if you meet these two following criteria:
- You are an eligible voter
- You expect to be outside Manitoba on advance voting days and on election day or to be inside Manitoba but at a location that is significantly far from any advance voting place and from the regular voting place on the day of the election.
And you can apply for absentee voting if you are in any of these following categories:
- Snowbirds
- Business and vacation travellers
- Students
- Canadian Armed Forces members
- Re-located workers
- Those in remote areas
To apply for the absentee vote, download and fill in this application form, and hand it either:
- In person at the address listed above
- By fax: 204-945-6011
You need to bring with you copies of the required ID. You can bring either:
- legible copies of government issued photo identification, like a driver’s licence or
- two documents that together confirm your identity, like your Manitoba health card
For more information on acceptable ID documents, you can refer to this detailed guide on Elections MB’s site.
Lastly, when you change your address with your provincial voting institution, that change isn’t necessarily reflected on your voter registration with the federal voting institution, Elections Canada.
