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Is it required to show id to vote in canada
Executive summary
Federal law requires voters to prove both identity and address to vote in a Canadian federal election; Elections Canada says you must show ID accepted by them and typically need two pieces if one lacks an address, with vouching available in limited circumstances [1][2]. Provinces and territories vary: some require identity only, some require identity+address, and some have no formal ID requirement for voting — Elections Canada’s 2018 review lists the exact jurisdictions and differences [3].
1. What federal law actually requires — identity plus address
At the federal level, Elections Canada states clearly that to vote you must prove your identity and your address; acceptable documents are set out on its lists and FAQs, and you must be registered (or register at the polls) under the same name and address shown on that ID [1][2]. Elections Canada’s guidance and “List of ID to Vote” reiterate that the requirement is for both identity and address when voting in a federal election [4].
2. How voters without the “right” single document can still vote
Elections Canada allows combinations: if you don’t have a single piece of ID showing both name and current address, you can show two pieces of ID where at least one shows your current address, or you can use a voter information card plus a second piece of ID [5][6]. The agency accepts expired ID if the name and current address are accurate and even accepts electronic statements or mobile-device displays for many documents [5][6].
3. Vouching and declaration votes — the safety valve
If a voter lacks the required ID, someone who is registered in the same polling division can “vouch” for them by showing their own proof of identity and address; that person can usually vouch for only one voter [5][6]. Elections Canada materials and reporting note that vouching is intended as a limited remedy for those who lack documents; its availability varies by jurisdiction and sometimes by polling-place type [7][3].
4. Differences across provinces and territories — the patchwork
Identification rules differ provincially and territorially. Elections Canada’s 2018 review notes seven jurisdictions (PEI, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the federal level) where proof of identity and address is required; Ontario and Quebec require only proof of identity once registered; several jurisdictions (Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Yukon and Alberta) had no ID requirement to vote as of that report [3]. Individual provinces (e.g., BC) publish their own lists and options, sometimes needing two documents with at least one showing address [8].
5. Practical impacts and historical context
Elections Canada’s fact sheets say most electors recall showing government-issued photo ID with name and address, but some groups (seniors in long-term care, students away at school, some Indigenous electors) have had trouble proving address; historically, about 50,000 electors went to polling places and were turned away for lack of ID in elections referenced by Elections Canada [7]. Policy debates and academic commentary note that changes to ID rules — or eliminating vouching — can affect tens of thousands of voters [7][9].
6. Why Canada’s system is different from strict “photo ID” regimes
Analysts contrast Canada’s approach with stricter U.S.-style photo-ID laws: Canada accepts a broad range of documents (including non-photo IDs) and allows combinations so voters can demonstrate identity and address in multiple ways; this inclusiveness is cited as a reason Canada's ID rules are less likely to disenfranchise eligible voters compared with narrower regimes [10]. However, commentators warn that tightening rules (for example, removing vouching) could increase exclusion [9].
7. Practical steps for a voter who’s unsure
Elections Canada’s FAQs and Lists of ID advise checking the accepted documents ahead of election day, bringing a voter information card plus at least one other piece of ID if possible, and, if lacking address documentation, arranging for a qualified vouching elector in the same polling division [4][2][6]. If you’re outside the federal sphere, consult your provincial or territorial election authority because local rules and acceptable ID lists can differ [8][11].
Limitations and final note: The sources provided are Elections Canada materials, provincial pages, and commentary; they document current rules and past pilot projects but do not include every recent legislative change in every province. For the definitive list of acceptable documents for your next vote, check Elections Canada or your provincial election office directly [4][8].