The Voters List is exactly what it sounds like. It is the official list of all the people in an electoral district who are eligible to vote.
You may be wondering: How do you make sure your name is on the list?
Well, because the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario is used to prepare the Voters List, the names of the majority of qualified voters will already be included.
Here's how it works:
When an election is called, a Notice of Registration card is mailed to voters confirming they are on the list. It also lets them know the location of their election day poll, as well as dates and locations of advance polls.
Please remember to bring your Notice of Registration card with you when you go to vote.
If you do not receive your Notice of Registration card, you may not be on the Voters List. If you are qualified to vote but not on the list, it's simple to correct.
How to vote if you're not on the Voters List
You have two options:
Obtain a Certificate to Vote.
1) Before Election Day you can obtain a Certificate to Vote from the Revision Assistant by providing proof of identity and residence at your electoral district Returning Office or at any advance poll location. The Certificate to Vote is exchanged for a ballot at the advance poll or at the poll location on election day. (Certificates to Vote are issued up to 8:00 p.m. the day before election day.)
Even if your name is already on the Voters List, you must take proof of identity to the polls when you go to vote.
or
2) Have your name added to the Voters List at your polling place on election day.
In order to have your name added:
- you must confirm your identity and residence by providing appropriate identification, and
- you must make a statutory declaration to establish your identity and your qualifications, and state that you have not already voted in the election