A federal election has been called for Monday, April 28th, 2025. It's crucial that individuals experiencing homelessness and those accessing support services are empowered to exercise their right to vote. This election offers a key opportunity to support housing-focused policies and initiatives aimed at ending and preventing homelessness across Canada.
An elector who is homeless or without a fixed address can vote, if they register to be on the list of electors. To register, all electors must prove their identity and address. To do so, they usually show identification documents (see the complete list of accepted identity documents). However, homeless electors who have difficulty obtaining such documents can prove their identity and address at the polls in other ways:
An elector can prove their identity by presenting a piece of ID with their name on it, such as a social insurance card (SIN card), birth certificate, or Veterans Affairs Canada Health Identification Card.
The Canada Elections Act allows a homeless elector to use the address of a shelter/drop-in centre or food bank or other social services establishment as their place of ordinary residence.
To prove the address, the elector can request a Letter of Confirmation of Residence from the administrator of the social services establishment where the elector’s identity is known and that is recognized by Elections Canada. The letter cannot be generic; it must contain the elector’s information and be signed by the administrator. On its website, Elections Canada provides a downloadable template
for this type of letter (to obtain paper copies, the establishment administrator can contact the returning officer). It should be noted that the law does not require the administrator to provide a proof of address.
Like any elector, a homeless elector can have someone who knows them and who is on the list of electors for the same polling place as theirs vouch for them (if the homeless elector is voting by special ballot at a local Elections Canada office, the person vouching for them must be on the list of electors for the electoral district where the office is located). The person vouching for the elector must also be able to provide accepted identity documents. An elector can vouch for only one person. Both the elector and the person vouching for them will have to make a solemn declaration.
Attached below is a one-pager resource from Diana Chan McNally to help unhoused individuals using homelessness services understand how they can vote. You can also download or share the resource directly via this link.
As we approach the upcoming Federal election, it's crucial for all service providers and service users in the sector to make their voices heard. Your vote can shape the future of policies and initiatives that impact our communities. By voting, you're standing up for better housing, increased support services, and lasting solutions to homelessness.
This is your opportunity to advocate for change and ensure that the needs of those affected by homelessness are prioritized. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the decision-making process on April 28th—every vote counts!