In order to have a fair federal election, every Canadian citizen eligible to vote needs to have the opportunity to exercise that vote. Elections Canada has a variety of accessibility tools and criteria. You can learn more about their long-term accessibility plan in this video.
Polling places must meet core accessibility criteria
Polling places must meet the mandatory criteria of the Polling Place Suitability Checklist to be considered accessible. There are 37 accessibility criteria with 15 being mandatory. Polling places are encouraged to go above these standards and meet as much of the criteria as possible.
To check the accessibility standards of your specific polling station, you can search online, call Elections Canada, or check your Voters Information Card once you receive it in the mail.
If your local polling place does not meet your needs, you may apply to receive a transfer to a more accessible polling place in your riding by calling Elections Canada. You can also consider voting a different way, like by mail.
To find out if your polling place meets your needs:
- Enter your postal code in Elections Canada’s Voter Information Service
- Call Elections Canada
- Check your Voter Information Card
Accessibility tools and services available at polling stations
There are tools and services available to you at polling stations that can help you and create a better voting experience [1].
Tools include:
- Large-grip pencils that help with control of handwriting
- Voting screens that let in more light
- Bigger ballots with large print
- Magnifiers with lights that can make your ballot look up to four times larger
- Tactile and braille voting templates
- Large print list of candidates
- Braille list of the candidates (available on election day only)
- Signature guides to help you sign your name if needed
Services include:
- Sign language interpretation while voting (contact your local Elections Canada office in advance of voting to request this)
- Help from an election worker to mark your ballot
- An automatic door opener or an election worker that will open the door for you
- Election workers that will help you with any questions or needs
- The ability to take your time while voting
Polling stations allow you to bring:
- Service animals (except if local laws prohibit service animals in public places: contact Elections Canada if you believe you may be in this situation)
- Personal assistive devices, like a pencil
- A support person like a caregiver, family member, friend, coworker, or spouse to help you mark your ballot
If you have any questions about accessibility ahead of an election, please reach out to Elections Canada.
