When must federal elections be held?
Quick answer: On the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election. In our practice tests 66% of 106 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “About every 4 years”.
Why is this the correct answer?
Federal elections are held on the third Monday in October every four years. However, the PM can call an early election, or one can be triggered by a vote of non-confidence in a minority government.
Study Tip
Federal elections in Canada are required to be held at a specific interval, as stated in the Canada Elections Act. This interval is tied to the length of a Parliament.
What should you know about this topic?
Canada has fixed-date election legislation. Federal law says a general election is held on the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year after the previous general election. This creates a predictable schedule, roughly every four years.
However, an election can happen earlier. The Governor General can dissolve Parliament and call an election on the advice of the Prime Minister. This can happen, for example, if the government loses a confidence vote in the House of Commons, such as on a budget. In that case the government must resign or ask for an election. Under the Constitution, an election must be held at least once every five years in any case. Fixed dates also help Elections Canada plan ahead.
When an election is called, Canadians vote for a Member of Parliament in each electoral district (riding). The party that wins the most seats usually forms the government, and its leader becomes Prime Minister. Elections Canada, an independent agency, runs the election. Many provinces have similar fixed-date laws for their own elections. For the test, connect this question with how governments are formed, minority and majority governments, confidence votes, and who is eligible to vote and run as a candidate.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- About every 4 years: This is roughly true but not the precise legal rule, which names a specific date.
- When the MPs want a new Prime Minister: MPs do not trigger elections just to change leaders; a government can lose a confidence vote, but that is different.
- Whenever the Prime Minister calls the election: The PM can advise an early election, but the law sets a fixed date as the normal schedule.
What is the most common mistake?
"About every four years" sounds right but is too vague. The law sets a specific day: the third Monday in October, four years after the last election, though early elections can still happen.
How can you remember the answer?
"Third Monday of October, fourth year": count 3-Oct-4, like a combination lock code.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
66% of 106 practice answers from about 73 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "About every 4 years", chosen 27% 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 33rd 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.