Federal Elections

The first 10 questions, with answers

Open a question to see the answer and the explanation.

1. 1. On what day are federal elections in Canada scheduled to take place?

   • The third Monday in October
   • The second Tuesday in September
   • The last Monday in April
   • The first Monday in November

   Answer: The third Monday in October. Federal law sets a fixed election day so voters know in advance when a general election will normally occur.

2. 2. How often are federal general elections normally held in Canada?

   • Every five years
   • Every four years
   • Every three years
   • Every two years

   Answer: Every four years. A general election follows the previous one on a regular four-year cycle, though the Prime Minister can ask for an earlier one.

3. 3. Into how many electoral districts is Canada divided for a federal election?

   • 282
   • 338
   • 308
   • 295

   Answer: 308. Each district sends one representative to the House of Commons, so the count equals the number of seats being contested.

   Since the guide was written: The guide gives 308 electoral districts and the test follows the guide; the number has since risen as Canada's population has grown.

4. 4. What is an electoral district?

   • A province set aside to choose the Prime Minister
   • A group of towns that together elect a senator
   • A city ward that votes only for its mayor
   • A geographical area represented by a member of Parliament

   Answer: A geographical area represented by a member of Parliament. The country is split into these areas so that each region has its own voice in the House of Commons.

5. 5. In a federal election, which candidate becomes the member of Parliament for a district?

   • The candidate who receives the most votes
   • The candidate chosen by the Prime Minister
   • The candidate who is oldest among those running
   • The candidate whose party raised the most money

   Answer: The candidate who receives the most votes. Canada uses a straightforward count in each district, with victory going to whoever gathers the greatest number of ballots.

6. 6. What is the minimum age to vote in a federal election, measured on voting day?

   • 21
   • 18
   • 19
   • 16

   Answer: 18. Alongside citizenship and being on the voters' list, reaching this age by election day is required to cast a ballot.

7. 7. True or False: Only Canadian citizens are permitted to vote in a federal election.

   • True
   • False

   Answer: True. Casting a ballot is one of the rights reserved for citizens and is not open to permanent residents.

8. 8. What information does the voter information card provide?

   • It lists the names of every candidate running
   • It grants you permission to run for office
   • It states when and where you go to vote
   • It records how you voted for official use

   Answer: It states when and where you go to vote. The card confirms your name is on the voters' list and gives the time and location of your polling station.

9. 9. What is the purpose of advance polls?

   • To choose each party's candidate for the district
   • To register new citizens on the voters' list
   • To count the ballots once the polls have closed
   • To let you vote before election day if you cannot vote that day

   Answer: To let you vote before election day if you cannot vote that day. They offer flexibility for voters who are unable or unwilling to attend on the official election day.

10. 10. True or False: When voting, you mark your ballot in private behind a screen.

    • True
    • False

    Answer: True. The secret ballot means no one may watch you vote or make you reveal your choice.

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