Summary:
- The 45th General Federal Election is taking place on April 28, 2025.
- The AFN is providing information to help make the voter registration and voting process more accessible for First Nations.
- First Nations and Elections Canada Returning Officers are urged to communicate to establish polling station locations.
- For more information, visit elections.ca or www.afn.ca.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is working with Elections Canada to eliminate barriers to First Nations’ participation in the 45th General Election to be held on April 28, 2025.
The AFN encourages First Nations and Elections Canada Returning Officers to work together in establishing polling station locations that best serve their communities. To connect with your local Returning Officer or request polling stations, contact Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868. We also encourage First Nations citizens to consider employment opportunities with Elections Canada. A number of employment opportunities are available online at elections.ca/jobs.
Returning Officers
Returning Officers are responsible for overseeing voting stations in each riding. They play a key role in working with First Nations communities to determine polling station locations, support accessibility, and ensure community needs are met. The AFN encourages First Nations leadership and community representatives to contact their local Returning Officer as early as possible to coordinate:
- Polling station set-up
- Voting accessibility needs
- Voter registration support
To find and contact your local Returning Officer, visit elections.ca, or call Elections Canada toll-free at 1-800-463-6868.
Registering to Vote
Registering early makes voting more efficient and helps ensure a smoother experience on election day. Registered voters will receive a Voter Information Card (VIC) from Elections Canada in the mail. When paired with an accepted ID, such as a Status Card, the VIC can serve as proof of address. Community members can register to vote in five ways:
Method 1: Register online.
Method 2: Register by regular mail or telephone by contacting Elections Canada.
Method 3: Register at their local Elections Canada office.
Method 4: Register at their polling place when they go to vote.
- Option 1: Register to vote by bringing the required ID to an advance polling location.
- Option 2: If a voter is unsure about their registration status on Election Day, they can still go to a polling station on Election Day with the appropriate ID and register and vote on location.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail, also known as voting by special ballot, is a flexible option for those unable to vote in person. To vote by mail:
- Register to vote using any of the methods listed above.
- Apply online or contact any Elections Canada office across the country before April 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- Voters will receive a special ballot voting kit by mail that explains how to mark their ballot and mail it back.
- If voting in person at an Elections Canada office, voters may drop their envelope in a ballot box.
Voters will need to write the first and last name of their chosen candidate for their riding on the ballot. If they only write the party, or the party leader, the ballot will not be counted. Once registered to vote by mail, voters must follow all instructions on completing and returning their ballots before polls close on election day.
Letter of Confirmation of Residence
Band offices can support community members who don’t have standard proof of address by issuing a Letter of Confirmation of Residence. When combined with a second piece of ID confirming the voter’s name (such as a Status Card), this letter can be used at the polls to verify address. Download the Template for Letter of Confirmation of Residence.
Vouching
Eligible voters without ID may still vote through a process called vouching. This means bringing someone who knows you—like a friend, neighbour, or family member—to confirm your identity and address. The voucher must sign a declaration form provided by Elections Canada.
Learn more about voter ID and the vouching process at elections.ca.
Election Resources
Posting and sharing Elections Canada’s printed materials in your community is a great way to help people know where, when, and ways to vote. Using the digital order form, you can order materials to be delivered to your community, including Voter ID posters, guidebooks to the federal election, and employment flyers.
- Order printed materials online (offered in 17 Indigenous languages)
- Download Elections Canada resources
- Download the Handbook for Indigenous Leaders
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email [email protected]. For more information, please visit elections.ca or www.afn.ca.