As Canada approaches its upcoming federal election, Elections Canada has taken to social media to clarify misinformation regarding how voters can mark their ballots. The independent agency has stated that voters can use either a pen or a pencil to mark their ballots, and using a pencil will not lead to a miscounted vote.
In a recent Facebook post, Elections Canada addressed claims circulating on social media, particularly on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that voters must use a pencil to ensure their votes are counted. The agency firmly stated, "We are still seeing posts where people are claiming that you have to use a pencil to mark your ballot. Not true!" This statement was made to combat the misleading notion that a voter's choice could be smudged or erased when using a pencil.
Elections Canada emphasized that it is "inaccurate" to suggest that a ballot marked with a pencil could be invalidated due to smudging or erasure. Instead, the agency reassured voters that as long as their ballots are marked properly, they will be counted. The official guidelines highlight that poll workers are required by law to provide electors with a black-lead pencil, which has been a standard practice in Canadian federal elections.
According to Elections Canada, pencils are preferred because they do not dry up or pose the risk of ink blotting, which could lead to spoiled ballots. The agency stated, "In fact, in Canada, pencils have always been used in federal elections because they do not dry up or pose the risk of ink blotting, which could lead to a spoiled ballot." However, they also clarified that there is nothing preventing voters from using their own pen or other writing tools to mark their ballots.
Moreover, Elections Canada reassured the public about the integrity of the ballot counting process. Election workers are prohibited from handling marked ballots without the elector or witnesses present. The ballot boxes are secured with an official seal signed by election workers, which is only broken when it is time to count the ballots on election night.
The counting process itself is designed to be transparent and secure. All ballots are counted by pairs of paid election workers, and the law mandates that the counting occurs in front of witnesses who do not work for Elections Canada. These witnesses, often representatives of the candidates, observe each step, including the breaking of the seal on the ballot box and the removal and counting of each individual ballot. "Ballots are unfolded one at a time and shown to everyone present. There are no opportunities for workers to smudge or alter the mark made by the elector," the agency stated.
The advance polling stations opened for four days on April 18, 2025, allowing voters to cast their ballots early. Additionally, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is April 22, 2025, with election day scheduled for April 28, 2025. As the election date approaches, Elections Canada is working to ensure that voters are well-informed and confident in the voting process.
In summary, the agency's recent communications aim to dispel myths surrounding the voting process and ensure that all Canadians understand their rights and options when it comes to marking their ballots. With the election just days away, accurate information is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
