Elections Canada wants you to know your ballot will count whether you mark it with a pen or with a pencil. The independent agency says it’s seeing posts on social media claiming voters have to use a pencil to mark their ballot. Some posts on X, the social media platform once known as Twitter, have encouraged voters to bring a pen to their polling station to avoid the possibility of ballot tampering.
On its website, Elections Canada dismisses as false the claim that a ballot marked in pencil could be smudged or erased and would not count as a result. The agency says poll workers are required by law to provide voters with black-lead pencils, but a pen or some other writing tool would work just as well. Elections Canada says it uses pencils because pens can dry up or leak, which could spoil a ballot.
“All ballots are counted by pairs of paid election workers and, by law, the counting is done in front of witnesses who do not work for Elections Canada (usually candidates’ representatives),” says the Elections Canada website.
Meanwhile, advance voting for the federal election continued on Sunday, April 20, 2025, amid a record early turnout. Monday, April 21, 2025, is the final day of advance voting before election day on April 28, 2025. Sunday marked Day 3 of early voting, with polls open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., despite the Easter holiday.
As for the federal leaders, they are still on the campaign trail. The Liberal’s Mark Carney will be in Ottawa, while both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and the N-D-P’s Jagmeet Singh have appearances in British Columbia. Nearly two million people showed up across the country to cast a ballot on Friday, with Elections Canada reporting the record turnout on the first day of four days for advanced voting in the federal election.
The surge in early voting reflects a growing engagement among voters, which has been a notable trend in recent elections. Political analysts suggest that this uptick in participation could signal a more competitive race, as candidates work to mobilize their bases ahead of the general election.
In the lead-up to the election, the Liberal party, under Carney’s leadership, is focusing on economic recovery and climate change, while the Conservative party is emphasizing tax cuts and public safety. The N-D-P is advocating for healthcare improvements and affordable housing, appealing to voters concerned about social issues.
As the campaign heats up, the candidates are also addressing misinformation, particularly surrounding voting procedures. Elections Canada has made it clear that voters should feel confident in their ability to cast their ballots, regardless of the writing tool they choose. "It’s crucial that Canadians know their votes will be counted, and misinformation should not discourage anyone from participating in the democratic process," the agency stated.
The anticipation surrounding election day continues to build, with many Canadians eager to see how their votes will shape the future of the country. The record turnout in advance voting is a promising sign that citizens are engaged and ready to make their voices heard.
As the final day of advance voting approaches, both voters and candidates are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal election. With the stakes high, the candidates are expected to intensify their efforts, making the most of every moment leading up to April 28.
In conclusion, whether voters choose to mark their ballots with a pen or a pencil, the important thing is that they participate in the electoral process. With early voting showing record numbers, it’s clear that Canadians are ready to take part in shaping their government.
