Canadians are heading to the polls Monday in the country’s first-ever pandemic election.

Voters will choose the 338 members of Parliament to sit in the House of Commons.

More than six million ballots were cast during advanced polls.

Elections Canada has implemented additional health measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voters will see sanitizing stations, physical distancing markers, and single-use pencils to minimize contact points. Volunteers and staff at polling stations will also be wearing protective masks.

Elections Canada encourages voters to wear a mask, even in places where a province, territory or region does not require them. Masks will be provided to electors who do not bring their own. For those in a jurisdiction where masks are mandatory and who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, Elections Canada encourages them to vote by mail.

The winners will be known by the end of the night in some ridings, however, election officials won’t start counting special mail-in ballots until Tuesday.

Elections Canada says it could take up to four days to finish counting all the special ballots, meaning some close races may not have official winners for several days.

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on election day.

There are three options to prove your identity and address.

Option 1
Show one of these pieces of ID

• your driver’s licence
• any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with your photo, name and current address

Option 2
Show two pieces of ID that include your name. One must have your current address.

• Ex. voter information card and bank statement; or utility bill and student ID card

For a full list of accepted ID, click here.

Option 3
If you don’t have ID
You can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you.
The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).