2021 Canadian federal election: Vote to not only ensure a smooth COVID-19 pandemic recovery, but for your own hopes and aspirations

By Harrish Thirukumaran

On August 15, 2021, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau called an early election for September 20. The rationale is that the current government of the day needs a new mandate to ensure voters approved of its plan to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This election is unique in that it is a campaign at the national level taking place during the ongoing pandemic.

While there is contention on holding an election now, it remains nonetheless important that you make yourself heard by voting as a Canadian on what you hope to see beyond just the pandemic. Election Day or E-Day will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, later this month. It will be one of the shortest campaigns in political history at 36 days as the minimum length required by law.

Readers like yourselves are strongly urged to take the time out of your busy schedules to learn about your local candidates for Member of Parliament and their parties that are contesting. This can be easily done by checking out the platforms they are running on and how they align with your specific circumstances and aspirations as printed in this issue of the Monsoon Journal. This can be done along with tuning into all-candidate debates. A healthy democracy relies on a citizenry that makes an informed voting choice at the ballot box. Furthermore, you can visit the Elections Canada website or contact them at 1–800–463–6868 to ensure you are in fact registered to vote in your local riding as well as other voting information.

If you’re registered, you should receive a voter information card in the mail by September 10. It tells you where and when you can vote. If the name and address on your card are correct and you meet the eligibility criteria stated on the card, you’re ready to vote. Bring this card with you, along with accepted ID, to make the voting process easier when you go to vote.

There are various options to cast your ballot. You can vote at your assigned polling station on election day, Monday, September 20, 2021. Polls will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by time zone). Voting can take place at your assigned polling station from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m during the advance polling period. This period will take place Friday, September 10; Saturday, September 11; Sunday, September 12; and Monday, September 13.

Also, Election workers, candidates and candidates’ representatives will be required to wear masks at polling places and Elections Canada offices to lead by example and maintain the safest environment possible for electors and workers. Elections Canada will not require electors to provide proof of vaccination as well.

With COVID-19, it’s no doubt that public health and safety is a top priority. In that sense, you can apply online or at any Elections Canada office across Canada to vote by mail. You must apply before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. Voting in this case will be completed through a special ballot process.

Another option is voting at any Elections Canada office. There are over 500 Elections Canada offices open across Canada. Voting can take place anytime before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. Similar to mail-in voting, your vote uses a special ballot process.

Offices are open seven days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 4:00 p.m.

Considering recent world events, this is both an opportunity and duty for you as a civically minded citizen of Canada to demonstrate the benefit of living in a democracy through the act of voting. Vote to not only ensure a smooth COVID-19 pandemic recovery, but for your own hopes and aspirations.

Written in Septmeber 2021