Chapter 7 · Unit 1 · pp. 30–32

Voting in a federal election

Federal Elections

Federal Elections p. 30

Member of Parliament (MP). Members of the House of Commons are also called members of Parliament, or MPs. p. 30
Third Monday in October, every four years. Fixed-date elections fall on the third Monday in October, four years after the last general election, unless one is called earlier. p. 30
The Prime Minister. The Prime Minister may ask for an earlier election. p. 30
Re-elect the same members or choose new ones. Voters may keep their MPs or pick new ones. p. 30

At least 18 on voting day. You must be a citizen, at least 18 on voting day, and on the voters' list. p. 30
A geographical area represented by one MP. Each electoral district, also called a riding or constituency, elects one MP. p. 30
The candidate who gets the most votes. The candidate with the most votes wins the district. p. 30
Citizen, aged 18 or over, on the voters' list. Voters must be citizens, at least 18 on voting day, and on the voters' list. p. 30
Elections Canada. Elections Canada produces voters' lists from the National Register of Electors. p. 30
Canadian citizens aged 18 or older. Citizens who are 18 or older may run for office. p. 30

The leader of the party with the most seats. The Governor General normally asks the leader of the party that wins the most House of Commons seats. p. 31
When the governing party has half or more of the House seats. With half or more of the seats in the House of Commons, a government has a majority. p. 31
The opposition party with the most members in the House. The largest party not in power is the Official Opposition. p. 31
Prepares the budget and proposes most new laws. The Cabinet makes key decisions, prepares the budget and proposes most new laws. p. 31
The government falls; usually an election follows. A budget vote is a matter of confidence; losing it usually leads to an election. p. 31
Among members of the House of Commons. Most ministers are chosen from the House of Commons. p. 31

No one may watch you vote or force you to say how you voted. The law protects the secrecy of your vote, even from family and employers. p. 31
No one, not even family or an employer. You may choose to share it, but nobody can demand it. p. 31
Right after the polling stations close. Election officers count ballots immediately after the polls close. p. 31

Put an X in the circle beside a name. You mark an X in the circle for the candidate you choose. p. 32
Vote at an advance poll or by special ballot. Advance polls and special ballots let you vote before or away from election day. p. 32
Call your local elections office. Call your local elections office, or Elections Canada, to make sure you are on the list. p. 32
Your voter information card and proof of identity and address. Bring the card plus proof of who you are and where you live. p. 32
Fold it and give it to an official. You fold the marked ballot and give it to the officials. p. 32
The ballot number. The official tears off the ballot number and returns the ballot to you. p. 32

Discover Canada, pp. 30–32. MapleQuiz summary, not official text. Read this chapter on canada.ca