Canada's federal electoral process begins with the dissolution of the House of Commons by the Governor General at the request of the Prime Minister. This triggers the enumeration of voter lists by the Chief Electoral Officer and the nomination of candidates in each riding. Candidates and parties then campaign using various media forms to present themselves to the public ahead of polling day, when citizens go to polling stations to have their ballots counted and tabulated to determine the election winners.

1. Canada’s Federal
Electoral Process

2. Dissolution
The Governor General
Dissolves (sends everyone home)
the House of Commons
at the request of the Prime Minister

3. Enumeration
The preparation of the voter’s lists once
election writs have been issued by the Chief
Electoral Officer

4. Nomination
Selecting the candidates who will run in
eachriding
(aka an electoral districtor constituency)

5. Campaigning
Presenting the candidates and political parties
to the public using various media.

6. Polling
(this can also be called voting or balloting)
The process of going to a polling station;
checking in with a deputy returning officer;
receiving and marking your ballot and
watching it being placed in a locked box.

7. Tabulation
Counting the ballots to see who won the election!