It’s Monday, April 28 — federal election day — and voters across Airdrie–Cochrane are heading to the polls. Polling stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time.
Peak voting times
Polling stations are typically busiest:
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Early morning before work,
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Late morning between 10 a.m. and noon,
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After 4 p.m., especially heading toward closing time.
Voters are encouraged to plan ahead if they want to avoid extended wait times.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or a returning one, here’s everything you need to know before casting your ballot today.
When and where to vote
Today is the final opportunity to vote in the 2025 federal election.
You must vote at your assigned polling station between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Your assigned station is listed on your voter information card. If you did not receive a card, you can find your polling location by entering your postal code into Elections Canada's Voter Information Service or by calling 1-800-463-6868.
Unlike some provincial elections, you cannot vote at just any polling station. You must vote at the one assigned to your address.
If you arrive at the wrong polling station, election workers will inform you of your correct location. Bring accepted ID with you.
Who can vote
To vote today, you must:
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Be a Canadian citizen,
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Be at least 18 years old on election day, and
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Prove your identity and address.
Most eligible voters are already registered. If you are not registered, or if your information needs updating, you can do so at your assigned polling station before you vote. Bring accepted identification showing your name and current address.
Permanent residents, refugees and other non-citizens are not eligible to vote, even if they mistakenly received a voter information card.
What to bring: ID requirements
You must prove both your identity and your address. You have three options:
Option 1: Show one piece of ID
Provide one piece of government-issued photo ID with your name and current address, such as a driver's licence.
Option 2: Show two pieces of ID
Provide two pieces of ID, both showing your name, with at least one showing your current address.
Examples include:
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Voter information card and a utility bill
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Health card and a bank statement
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Student ID and a cell phone bill
Electronic documents such as e-statements are accepted if printed or shown on a mobile device.
Expired ID can be used if it shows your name and address.
Option 3: No ID? Use a voucher
If you do not have accepted ID, you may make a written declaration of your identity and address and have someone who knows you vouch for you.
The person vouching for you must:
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Be assigned to your polling station,
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Prove their own identity and address,
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Vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).
Special voting circumstances
Students
Students may register and vote based on either their home address or their school address.
Accepted ID includes student cards, school correspondence showing name and address, and bills or bank statements.
Homeless voters
Eligible electors without a fixed address may register and vote if they provide a letter of confirmation of residence from a shelter, soup kitchen or community-based service organization.
Vouching by someone registered at the same polling station is also allowed.
Hospitalized voters
Voting in hospitals and acute care facilities closed earlier.
If you have been discharged, you must vote at your assigned polling station today.
If you registered to vote by mail and have not yet returned your ballot, follow the special ballot kit instructions immediately.
Members of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces members vote at their assigned civilian polling station using the same ID requirements as other voters.
Canadians living abroad
Voting by mail registration closed earlier this month.
If you received a special ballot voting kit, ensure your ballot is returned according to the kit’s instructions to be counted.
Accessibility services
Elections Canada offers assistance for voters with mobility, visual, hearing or other disabilities.
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Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages by phone.
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Sign language interpretation can be arranged with advance notice.
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Voters can request assistance marking their ballot or bring a support person.
If you require help, speak to an election worker when you arrive at your polling station.
Rules inside polling stations
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Ballot secrecy:
Photographing a marked ballot, including taking a selfie with it, is illegal under the Canada Elections Act. -
ID photo vs. appearance:
Your right to vote is unaffected if your appearance has changed since your ID photo was taken. -
Gender markers and preferred names:
A difference between your gender expression and your ID does not affect your eligibility to vote.
If names on different pieces of ID do not match, a written declaration may be required.
If you're feeling sick today
If you are ill or unable to physically attend your polling station, you must still vote in person unless you applied for and received a mail-in ballot earlier.
If you are too sick to vote, contact Elections Canada immediately at 1-800-463-6868 to discuss your options.
Updating your registration today
You can register or update your voter information, including your name or address, at your assigned polling station before voting.
Bring accepted ID showing your current address.
If your ID does not match, you may be asked to make a declaration or provide additional documents.
Common voter questions
What if I lost my voter information card?
You can still vote. Use the Voter Information Service online or call Elections Canada to find your polling location.
Can I use my voter information card as ID?
Yes, but only as part of the two-piece ID option. It must be paired with another accepted document showing your name.
Can I use expired ID?
Yes, as long as it shows your name and address.
My ID is not in English or French. Will it be accepted?
No. Only English, French or (in Nunavut) Inuktitut ID is accepted.
What if I don't have any ID at all?
You can still vote if someone registered at your polling station vouches for you.
Confirmed candidates in Airdrie–Cochrane:
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Christopher Bell – Christian Heritage Party of Canada
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Blake Richards – Conservative Party of Canada
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David Sabine – Libertarian Party of Canada
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Sean Secord – Liberal Party of Canada
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Sarah Zagoda – New Democratic Party
Elections Canada does not endorse or verify candidate websites, campaign materials or public statements.
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