Canada uses a first-past-the-post system. In each riding, the candidate with the most votes wins—even if they receive less than 50% of the total vote. Learn more about how Canada’s electoral system works.

Want to understand how the government works and your role in it?
Check out these resources:

• How Government Works
• Democracy Dictionary
• Civics 101 – Apathy is Boring YouTube Channel

Key Dates & Voting Options

Voter Registration

• Check your registration status or register to vote online
  • Deadline to register online: April 22, 6 PM (local time)
  • If you miss this deadline, you can still register at your polling station on election day.
    
    

Election Day: April 28, 2025

• Bring accepted ID. See the full list of ID requirements here.
• Didn’t register in time? Register at your polling station on election day.
  Use the Voter Information Service to find your polling station and riding info.
• Mobile polls will visit long-term care and seniors’ residences (check with your local facility for specific times).
  
  

Important Milestones

• March 23: Elections Canada offices open. You can vote early in-person at any office until April 22, 6pm
• April 9: Find your local candidates through the Voter Information Service.
• April 13–16: Vote on Campus is open 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at select locations.
• April 14: The official Guide to the Federal Election is mailed to all households. Keep it handy!
• April 16: Incarcerated electors can vote at their place of detention.
• April 18–21: Advance polls are open 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
• April 22: Final day to vote by special ballot at any Elections Canada office (by 6 p.m. local time).
  
  

Find Your Riding and Candidates

• Use the Voter Information Service. to:
  • Find your electoral district (riding)
  • See a list of registered candidates
  • Know where and when to vote
    
    

Understand the Issues: Make Informed Choices

Not sure where to start?

• Use a platform comparison tool like the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Federal Platform Comparison (note: will be updated for 2025).
• Track the Issues. Know the Candidates. Make Your Voice Count: Ottawa’s 2025 Federal Election is not just about parties—it’s about the issues that shape our lives every day. The Social Planning Council of Ottawa invites you to explore the pressing topics affecting our city, and to track how local candidates plan to address them. We’ve linked each election topic to the eight domains of our Shifting Realities: Community Wellbeing Report—rooted in real data, resident stories, and system responses.
• Track which candidates are addressing the issues that matter most to YOU:
  • Housing & Homelessness
  • Youth Employment & Mental Health
  • Climate Justice
  • Health Equity
    Poverty Reduction
  • Reconciliation & Indigenous Rights

Civic Engagement Resources

Learn more, get inspired, and help others:

• Elections Canada: For Electors
• Apathy is Boring – Civic Education
• Vote Compass (CBC/Tool for Party Alignment)
  
  

Get Involved with SPCO

Want to help others vote? We’re looking for:

• Civic Engagement Volunteers
• Voter Outreach Ambassadors
• Community hosts for info sessions and roundtables
  • April 14, 2025 – Rideau–Vanier (Rideau Community Hub – Cafeteria): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Register here
  • April 15, 2025 – Ottawa South (Greenboro Community Centre): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Register here
  • April 22, 2025 – Kanata (335 Michael Cowpland Drive): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Register here
  • April 23, 2025 – Ottawa Centre (Online): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Register here

Email us at [email protected] to get started!