Just how long is the ballot voters will wrangle when they go to the polls in the newly configured riding of Carleton?
At 38.22 inches or 97.03 centimetres, the ballot has been adapted to ensure that the names of all 91 candidates in the riding could appear.
It takes almost origami-level skills to re-fold the ballot. The ballot is so long that adjustments had to be made to voting procedures and vote-counting in Carleton, where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is facing off against 90 other candidates.
Why 91 candidates?
Of the 91 candidates, 85
signed up in the last few days as part of an operation organized by a group called the Longest Ballot Committee, which says it’s making a point to push for electoral reform.
Has an extra-long ballot been used before?
This is not Elections Canada’s first visit to this particular rodeo.
A similar two-column ballot, also with 91 candidates was used in a byelection in Lasalle—Émard—Verdun last September. The Carleton ballot is tied for the record for the longest ballot in Canadian history.
What does the ballot look like?
The names of the 91 candidates are arranged in two columns with an indication of their political affiliation if there is one. If a candidate was not endorsed by a registered party, the word “independent” will appear, if the candidate has requested it. In other cases, no political affiliation is given.
The font size on the ballot will be the same as a regular ballot. There are
46 candidates in the left column and 45 candidates in the right.
The names are listed in alphabetical order from top to bottom of the left column, then top to bottom of the right column. In the left and right-side margins there are the circles in which electors will make a mark next to their chosen candidate. The ballot may be huge, but voters will only get to choose one candidate.
What else is unusual about the ballot?
The size of the ballot mens it can’t be printed on the
paper usually used by the chief electoral officer. An alternate type of paper is being used.
Will the ballot size affect ballot boxes?
A typical ballot box can hold up to a thousand ballots, usually enough to hold all the ballots in a polling division on polling day. In this case, it’s estimated that a ballot box will hold only a hundred ballots.
That means several ballot boxes will have to be available at the polling stations in Carleton. Once a ballot box has reached its maximum capacity, an election officer will place the ballot box in full view and keep it there until the close of the polling station.
Will voters get special instructions?
Election officers are trained in folding the ballot and will explain how voters can indicate their choice of candidate and re-fold the ballot so the vote remains secret and the initials of the election officer are visible on the back. Voters return with the marked and folded ballot with the initials visible, and place it in the ballot box.
Is the long ballot likely to result in more spoiled ballots?
That’s been anticipated. Under the Elections Act, an elector can receive a replacement ballot when their first ballot can’t be used — but they may only receive a single replacement.
In this case, an adjustment has been made so a voter who is issued an additional ballot and whose ballot again becomes incapable of being used will be given one additional ballot.
What measures will be in place for voters who need assistance?
Those who need help because of a disability or for any other reason, can contact
the Elections Canada office in Carleton
to discuss your needs.
Elections Canada says election workers are available to assist. A second election worker is present to act as a witness.
Voters may also bring a support person such as a family member, friend, personal support worker or intervener to assist. To protect the secrecy of the vote, this person will be asked to make a solemn declaration before the vote.
Voters can also apply to vote by special ballot. The deadline to apply to vote by special ballot is April 22, 2025, 6 p.m.
A large-print list of candidates will be available at every polling place on advance polling days and election day. Magnifiers and large-grip pencils are also available.
The braille template has been modified to fit the two-column ballot. Unlike past elections, the template will be available only on election day. The braille list of candidates will also be available on election day.
How will the integrity and security of the ballot be maintained?
Ballots are counted by hand in front of witnesses. Other integrity measures are also in place, including procedures for ballot storage, audit and recount if needed.
Will it take longer to report the results?
In Carleton, it may take longer to receive service, and results will likely take longer because of the long ballot.
“The results that come in on election night are preliminary,” said Elections Canada spokesperson Diane Benson. “We post them on the website as they are called in from the 343 returning offices across the country.”
Most results will be posted on election night, although some will keep coming after midnight, she said.
