New voting rules for Canadians living abroad

By Kayla Butler

GATINEAU – Canadians who live abroad will now be able to participate in the federal election next month–regardless of how long they’ve been out of the country.

Elections Canada says there are some new rules in place ahead of the upcoming vote.

Previously, Canadians who had lived out of the country for more than five years were not eligible to cast a ballot. Under new regulations, Canadians can register to vote no matter where they live or how long they’ve lived outside of Canada.

In order to vote, electors living out of Canada will have to register on the International Register of Electors and provide appropriate documentation establishing their citizenship. If they’re not registered to vote, they will have to apply online or send in an application form to Election Canada by mail or fax.

Completed registration applications must be in by Oct. 15. Voting kits will be sent out and marked ballots must be mailed back well in advance, ensuring they are delivered to Election Canada’s Ottawa office before 6 p.m. ET on election day–Oct. 21–to be counted.

Votes from Canadians living abroad will count in the constituency they were last living in.

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