How Many Votes Can Change a Country’s Future

In 2025, the Liberal Party of Canada formed a minority government. In Canada, a party needs at least 172 seats, over 50%, to form a majority. That year, the Liberals won 169 seats1, just 3 seats short.

If you look at the ridings they narrowly lost, the votes they needed to win those ridings were incredibly small: 5 votes2, 13 votes3, and 42 votes4. In total, just 60 votes stood between the Liberals and a majority government. That’s fewer people than live in a small condo building.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party needed only 12,670 more votes across the country to secure enough seats for a minority government. That’s about 15% of the average number of eligible voters in one riding.

In Canada, a few votes can truly shape the country’s future. So even if you can’t vote as a non-citizen, what you do can still make a real impact.

Closest Races in 2025 Federal Election

Riding 1st Place Votes 2nd Place Votes Margin #
Terrebonne Lib 23,352 BQ 23,351 1
Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore Con 32,090 Lib 32,086 4
Terra Nova—The Peninsulas Con 19,605 Lib 19,593 12
Milton East—Halton Hills South Lib 32,178 Con 32,157 21
Nunavut NDP 2,853 Lib 2,812 41
Vancouver Kingsway NDP 18,788 Lib 18,485 303
Kitchener Centre Con 20,234 Green 19,859 375
Miramichi—Grand Lake Con 18,421 Lib 18,037 384
Kitchener—Conestoga Lib 30,001 Con 29,479 522
Montmorency—Charlevoix Con 20,494 BQ 19,970 524

Your Door-Knock Can Sway the Election Outcome

Imagine this: you knock on someone’s door on election day. The person says, “I almost forgot to vote. Thanks for reminding me!” That one conversation may have just won one more vote for your team.

Election results often come down to many factors. People say roughly 30% of votes come from liking the candidate, 30% from liking the party, 30% from liking the party leader, and about 10% from the campaign’s direct efforts, things like door-knocking and phone calls.

That last 10% might seem small, but in many close ridings, it’s exactly what decides who wins.

What Can Be Done Varies Depending on Donation Size

Donations is important for campaigns5. When you see ads on social media during an election, those are paid for by donations. Campaigns also print flyers, posters, and brochures to share their message, and every piece costs money.

The more funds a campaign has, the more it can do:

  • Buy more ads.
  • Print materials in more languages.
  • Tailor messages to different community needs or stages of the campaign.

These efforts influence voters and help shape election outcomes.

Your Involvement can Be More Valuable Than One Vote You Can’t Cast

Not having Canadian citizenship means you can’t vote. But even as a citizen, you only get one vote. Through volunteering, you might influence 10 or more people to vote. Invite five friends to join you, and together you could help move 60 votes.

Also, especially in urban ridings, votes from immigrant communities are becoming increasingly important. If your city has a strong community of people from your country of origin, you can be a particularly effective volunteer. You speak the language, understand the culture, and can connect more naturally with others in your community.

That’s why not having a vote doesn’t make you powerless. What you do, whether it’s volunteering, donating, or encouraging others, can have an even bigger effect than the single vote you’re not yet able to cast.

Action

Sign Up as a Volunteer

Once you sign up to volunteer, the party or campaign will contact you by email or phone when they have opportunities available.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

Can a small number of votes really change an election?

Yes. In 2025, just 60 votes across three ridings made the difference between a minority and a majority government. A handful of votes can genuinely shape Canada’s future.

How can one door-knock make a difference?

Reminding just one person to vote can sway a close race. Door-knocking and campaign outreach can be the deciding factor in tight ridings.

Why are campaign donations important?

Donations fund ads, flyers, and outreach in multiple languages. More funding allows campaigns to better reach voters and tailor their message.

What if I can’t vote in Canada?

Even if you can’t vote, your actions still matter. Volunteering or encouraging others can influence far more people than a single vote.

How can immigrants influence elections through volunteering?

Volunteers from immigrant communities can often connect more easily with others who share their language or cultural background, making outreach more effective and meaningful.

Can volunteering have a bigger impact than voting?

Yes. While voting gives you one vote, volunteering can help move dozens. Your time and effort may influence enough voters to decide a close election.

References

  1. Canada Votes 2025, CBC News ↩

  2. April 28, 2025 General ElectionElection Results Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore, Elections Canada ↩

  3. April 28, 2025 General ElectionElection Results Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, Elections Canada ↩

  4. April 28, 2025 General ElectionElection Results Nunavut, Elections Canada ↩

  5. Political Contributions and Eligible Contributors, Elections Canada ↩

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