The National Register of Electors is the database of Canadians aged 18 and older who are eligible to vote in federal elections and referendums.
As part of Elections Canada's regular efforts to keep the register up to date, we inform potential new electors of how they can make sure they are registered to vote in federal elections.
Registering in advance has its advantages!
To vote in a federal election, electors must be in the register.
They can register at the polls when they go to vote, but if they register in advance at the right address, they will receive a voter information card in the mail when a federal election is called. This card tells them where, when and the ways to vote.
Updating their registration will make the voting process easier for electors, as they won't need to register when they go to vote.
Voting is habit-forming
Research shows that people who vote in the first few elections after they turn 18 are more likely to become lifelong voters than those who don't.
We need your help to achieve our communication and registration objectives, especially with young people. Sharing information about registration with your networks will help to raise awareness among youth.
To vote in a federal election, you must be registered. You can register online, by mail or at the polls when you go to vote. To register and vote in the federal election, you must:
Being on the register at your current address will ensure that, when an election is called, you receive a personalized voter information card that tells you where, when and the ways to vote. It will also save you time when you go to vote, as you won't have to register on site.
Here are some tools to help you share information about Elections Canada's youth registration campaign:
Share this handout on the benefits of being on the Register. Consider posting it where your members can see it such as at your office, in libraries, in your community, and in learning centres.
Contact your members to spread the word about being on the Register. Here are email samples you can adapt at your convenience.
Want to give youth more insight? Share this article that covers registration and its benefits.
Do you give presentations to other stakeholders or to your members or do outreach? We've prepared some slides for you to incorporate at your convenience to talk about the importance of voting and the benefits of being registered in advance.
Share our social media messages on the subject and follow our social accounts for regular updates.
Turning 18 comes with its perks.
Like voting in a federal election. 
