What responsibility do Canadian citizens have regarding voting?

Voting in federal elections is one of the most important responsibilities of Canadian citizens. Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that 'every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein'. The minimum voting age is 18, set by the Canada Elections Act and applied to all federal, provincial, and territorial general elections.

Voting is not legally compulsory in Canada, unlike in Australia or Belgium, but Discover Canada describes it as one of the responsibilities of citizenship along with obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury when called, and protecting Canada's heritage and environment. Eligible citizens register through Elections Canada's National Register of Electors, with most Canadians automatically added when they file their tax return or interact with provincial drivers-licence agencies.

The franchise has expanded significantly over Canadian history. Confederation in 1867 limited the federal vote to property-owning men. Manitoba women won the provincial vote on January 28, 1916, the first province to do so. Most Canadian women won the federal vote in 1918, with Quebec women gaining the provincial vote only in 1940. Indigenous people (registered Indians under the Indian Act) could vote federally without losing status from 1960. Inmates serving two years or more won the right to vote in Sauve v. Canada (2002), a Supreme Court decision that struck down section 51(e) of the Canada Elections Act under section 3 of the Charter.

Federal elections in Canada use first-past-the-post voting in 343 electoral districts (after the 2024 redistribution; previously 338). Voters cast a single ballot for one local candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins the seat. Elections are normally held every four years on the third Monday of October under the federal fixed-election-date provision in section 56.1 of the Canada Elections Act, though the prime minister may advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament earlier. Provincial and municipal elections operate under their own statutes and timelines.