After weeks of build-up, the 2025 federal election is here, with polls opening across the GTA, Ontario and wider Canada as of Monday morning.
Whether it’s your first or your tenth time casting your vote, there are some key bits of information that you should know before stepping into the booth.
For example, you might be wondering: When do the polls open and close? Are I registered to vote? Where can I vote?
Don’t stress! We’ve put together a list to help you on election day, especially if you leave everything to the last minute or are on a tight schedule.
And if you still don’t know who to vote for, we also delved into the six party leaders’ main promises to help you out on election day. You can find out more at Narcity’s election hub.
Before that though, here’s everything you need to know about voting in the GTA on Monday, April 28:
What time does polling start?
The polls will open across Canada on Monday, April 28.
Stations will be open from 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. in the GTA.
And if you’re scheduled to work on election day, don’t stress — federal law says you’re entitled to three consecutive hours off to vote.
Your employer still reserves the right to decide when the time is given, but they have to let you take those hours off whether starting late or finishing early.
Can I vote in the election?
To vote in a federal election in Canada, you must be:
- A Canadian citizen
- At least 18 years old on election day (April 28, 2025)
- Registered on the voters list
This means that you can still vote if you weren’t born in Canada but you are a citizen.
What riding am I in?
There are many different ridings across the GTA, such as Toronto Centre, Toronto-St. Paul’s, Mississauga Centre, and Beaches—East York.
Ontario is currently divided into 124 electoral districts.
To find out your exact riding, you can visit elections.ca and put in your home address or postal code.
Where can I vote in the GTA?
Your voter card will show you your exact polling station. If you don’t have it yet, go to elections.ca, enter your postal code, and it’ll give you the location of where you can vote.
If you have specific mobility needs, you should check how accessible it is beforehand.
Am I registered to vote?
You can find out if you’re registered to vote here or you can also register or update your voter information at your assigned polling station on election day.
Do I need ID to vote?
You must prove both your identity and address in order to vote in the federal election. The easiest way is with one government-issued ID (like a Ontario driver’s license or an OHIP card).
If you don’t have one, bring two pieces of ID — one with your name, one with your address. Utility bills, student cards, and even lease agreements can work.
There’s a full list on Elections Canada’s website.
When is the best time to vote to avoid queues?
Typically, the best time to vote is during the middle of the day, when most people tend to be at work.
Peak times are usually early morning, and from 4 p.m. onwards. According to Elections Canada, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. is your best bet to avoid those lengthy lines.
What happens if I forgot to register?
Even if you forgot to register, don’t panic! As long as you’re eligible to vote in Canada, you can just show up with enough time, bring your ID and you can fill out a form.
Wherever your vote will go today, make sure your voice is heard!
You can find out more about all of Canada’s major parties via Narcity’s election hub.
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