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A guide to voting in Canada & the UK
Canadian & UK Election voting explained
As a Canadian citizen residing in the United Kingdom, you have the opportunity to participate in both Canadian and UK elections, subject to specific eligibility criteria and processes. This guide outlines your voting rights and the procedures to vote in each country.
Voting in Canadian Elections from the UK
Canadian citizens living abroad can vote in federal elections, by-elections, and referendums by registering on the International Register of Electors.
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Eligibility Criteria:
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Citizenship and Age: You must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on polling day.
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Residency: You must have lived in Canada at some point in your life.
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Registration Process:
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Application: Complete an application to be added to the International Register of Electors. This can be done through the Elections Canada website.
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Identification: Provide a copy of one of the following documents:
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Pages 2 and 3 of your Canadian passport
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The front and back of your Canadian citizenship certificate or card
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Your birth certificate showing you were born in Canada
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Voting Process:
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Once registered, Elections Canada will send you a special ballot voting kit when an election is called.
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Mark your ballot and return it using the provided envelope. Ensure it arrives at Elections Canada by the specified deadline to be counted.
For detailed information, visit Elections Canada's official page on registration and voting processes for Canadians living abroad.
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How to Register & Vote:
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Apply via Elections Canada
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Provide proof of Canadian citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card)
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Receive a special ballot kit and return it before the deadline
More info: Elections Canada
Voting in UK Elections as a Canadian Citizen
In the UK, voting rights are determined by citizenship and residency status.
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Eligibility Criteria:
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Commonwealth Citizens: As a Canadian citizen, you are considered a qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
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Residency: You must be a resident in the UK and have leave to remain (any visa type) or not require such leave.
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Voting Rights:
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Local Elections: Qualifying Commonwealth citizens can vote in local government elections across the UK.
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National Elections:
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UK Parliamentary (General) Elections: Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are eligible to vote.
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Devolved Legislatures: In Scotland and Wales, all residents, regardless of nationality, can vote in elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
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Impact of Residency Status:
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Holders have the right to vote in all eligible elections.
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Right of Abode (ROA): Individuals with ROA have the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions and are eligible to vote in all eligible elections.
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Other Visas (e.g., Work, Student): As long as you have valid leave to remain, you retain the right to vote in local and national elections as outlined above.
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For comprehensive details, refer to the Electoral Commission's guidelines on nationality requirements and voting rights.
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Registration Process in the UK:
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Register to Vote: You can register online through the UK government's voter registration portal.
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Information Required: Provide your National Insurance number, date of birth, and address.
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Deadline: Registration deadlines vary depending on the election, so ensure you register promptly to participate.
For more information on registering to vote, visit the UK government's official page on voter registration.