What do you mark on a federal election ballot?
Quick answer: An x. In our practice tests 72% of 92 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “The candidate's name”.
Why is this the correct answer?
On a federal election ballot, you mark an "X" next to the name of your chosen candidate. The ballot is secret — no one can see who you voted for.
Study Tip
For this question, think about the common method used in Canada to indicate a voter's choice. A simple mark is used to show support for a candidate.
What should you know about this topic?
In a federal election, you mark your ballot by putting an X (or another clear mark such as a check) in the circle next to the name of the candidate you choose. Discover Canada describes how voters receive a ballot from election officers, go behind a voting screen, mark the ballot, fold it and return it so it can be placed in the ballot box.
The ballot lists the candidates running in your electoral district (riding). You are not voting directly for a Prime Minister or a party leader; you vote for one person to represent your riding as a Member of Parliament. There are 343 ridings in the House of Commons as of the most recent general election. The candidate with the most votes in each riding wins, under the system often called "first past the post."
Your vote is secret. You never write your own name on the ballot, and no one may watch you vote. If you make a mistake, you can ask the election officer for a new ballot. Elections Canada, an independent agency, runs federal elections. For the test, connect this question with the secret ballot, voter eligibility (Canadian citizens 18 or older), the voter information card, and what to do if you are not on the voters' list.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- The voter's name: Writing your name would break the secrecy of the ballot and could spoil it.
- The candidate's name: The candidate names are already printed on the ballot; you mark beside one rather than writing it.
- The number for the candidate: Federal ballots do not use numbered rankings; you mark one choice only.
What is the most common mistake?
Some people think they must write a name or number. You simply make a clear mark, such as an X, beside your chosen candidate's name, and you never write your own name.
How can you remember the answer?
"X marks the spot": like a treasure map, you put an X beside the candidate you choose.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
72% of 92 practice answers from about 70 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "The candidate's name", chosen 21% of the time. The data covers practice tests on BecomeACitizen.ca from March 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
How hard is this question compared with others?
It is the 51st hardest of the 167 questions we have enough data to rank. The average for the Federal Elections chapter is 75% correct, and the average across all questions is 75%. You need 75% to pass the real test.
These are practice questions written from the official Discover Canada guide. IRCC does not publish the real test questions. See the full ranking in the 20 most-missed citizenship test questions or browse more Federal Elections questions.
Practice This Chapter
Test yourself with questions from Federal Elections. Timed mock tests, instant scoring, and detailed explanations.
Which part of Discover Canada is this question from?
This question is from the Federal Elections section of the Canadian citizenship test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Discover Canada study guide. You need to score at least 75% (15 out of 20 correct) to pass.
This chapter has 20 questions in our database. Studying chapter by chapter is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it helps you build deep understanding of each topic before moving to the next.
How should you study for the citizenship test?
Start by reading the complete how-to-pass guide, then work through each chapter in the study mode. When you feel ready, take a full exam simulation with the real 45-minute time limit.