Terms and Dissolution

According to Section 50 of the Constitution Act, 18671, the term of the House of Commons is five years. However, the Canada Elections Act2 states that a general election must take place on the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year following the previous election. Because of this, the term of the House of Commons is now typically four years.

The Governor General also has the power to dissolve Parliament at their discretion3. In practice, this happens when the Prime Minister advises the Governor General to dissolve Parliament. Once Parliament is dissolved, an election is held to select all members of the House of Commons. This is called a General Election or Federal General Election.

Additionally, when a seat becomes vacant, such as when an MP resigns or passes away, an election is held in that riding only to fill the vacant seat. This is called a By-Election4.

When Elections Begin

In Canada, an election officially begins when the Chief Electoral Officer issues the writ of election5. A writ is a formal written order issued by the Governor General that directs Elections Canada to hold an election in each federal riding. In total, 343 writs are issued, one for each riding across the country. From that moment, all election-related rules come into effect. The election period runs from the day the writ is dropped until Election Day.

For a candidate to officially begin their campaign, they must appoint an official agent and an auditor, as well as open a campaign bank account6. Candidates running under a party’s banner must also go through the party’s nomination process. This process is internal to each party and separate from the federal election process. Nominations might be finalized before the writ is dropped or several days to a week after it is issued. Because of all these steps, each campaign usually starts slightly after the writ is issued.

Candidates must file their nomination papers no later than 2 p.m. on the day that is 21 days before Election Day7.

When and Where Voting Takes Place

In Canada, voting begins shortly after the writ is dropped and continues until Election Day. Since candidates can file their nominations up to 21 days before Election Day, voters may begin casting ballots even before all candidates are finalized.

Election Day is the final day to vote, and many people still cast their ballot at their designated polling station on that day. However, an increasing number of people vote during advance polls, which are held on designated days before Election Day. Whether voting on Election Day or during advance polls, voters select their preferred candidate from a printed ballot.

Beyond these options, voters can request a special ballot8, allowing them to vote at an Elections Canada office or by mail. With a special ballot, voters must write the candidate’s name rather than selecting from a list. Special ballots can be cast at any Elections Canada office until a specific date set by Elections Canada. After that date, they can only be cast at the Elections Canada office in the voter’s riding.

There are also additional voting methods available for Canadians living abroad9, students on university campuses, individuals in correctional facilities, and others in special circumstances.

Each citizen can vote using only one of these voting methods. All votes count equally, regardless of which method is used.

How to Know When an Election Starts

In Canada, elections are usually triggered when the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, often before the scheduled election date in October, four years after the last general election.

How can you know when an election has been called? If you follow the news regularly, you’ll likely hear about it right away. Signing up for a political party’s newsletter is also a good way to stay informed, as parties often announce upcoming elections in their updates. Sometimes, to get supporters ready in advance, they even send out messages saying, “An election could be called any day now.”

Additionally, if you volunteer with a political party or campaign in your riding, you’ll likely receive updates as soon as their campaign officially begins.

Action

Sign Up for a Newsletter

Most parties have a newsletter sign-up form on the front page of their website. Some riding associations also send newsletters. If you’re interested in a particular riding, ask the local association if they have one.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

How long is a federal election term in Canada?

While the Constitution allows up to five years, federal elections are usually held every four years on the third Monday in October, as set by the Canada Elections Act.

What triggers a federal election in Canada?

Most of the time, an election is triggered when the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament. This leads to a General Election where all MPs are re-elected.

What is a by-election?

A by-election happens when a single MP's seat becomes vacant between general elections. It only takes place in that specific riding.

What is a writ of election?

It’s a formal order to hold an election. When 343 writs are issued, one for each riding, the federal general election officially begins and campaign rules take effect.

When can I vote in a federal election?

You can vote on Election Day, during advance polls, or by using a special ballot. Special ballots let you vote by mail or at an Elections Canada office.

How can I vote if I’m out of town?

You can request a special ballot to vote by mail or at any Elections Canada office. There are also options for students, people in correctional facilities, and Canadians living abroad.

How will I know when an election is called?

You can follow the news, subscribe to party newsletters, or stay in touch with local campaigns. These sources often give early alerts about upcoming elections.

What does a candidate need to do before campaigning?

They must appoint an official agent and auditor, open a campaign bank account, and file nomination papers at least 21 days before Election Day.

References

  1. CONSTITUTION ACT 1867, Government of Canada ↩

  2. Canada Elections Act, Government of Canada ↩

  3. Dissolution of Parliament, The Governor General of Canada ↩

  4. By-election in Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia ↩

  5. The writ of election, Elections Canada ↩

  6. Step 3. Appointing People to Your Campaign, Elections Canada ↩

  7. Calendar of activities for a typical election period, Elections Canada ↩

  8. Special ballot, Elections Canada ↩

  9. Registration and Voting Processes for Canadians Who Live Abroad, Elections Canada ↩

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