Who has the right to run as a candidate in federal elections?
Quick answer: Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old. In our practice tests 87% of 107 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “Any man who is at least 18 years old”.
Why is this the correct answer?
Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old can run as a candidate in a federal election. There is no property or education requirement.
Study Tip
To answer this question, consider the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. The correct answer involves a specific age requirement and citizenship status.
What should you know about this topic?
Any Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old can run as a candidate in a federal election. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees every citizen the democratic right to vote and to be a candidate. Candidates can run for a political party or as independents, with no party at all.
To appear on the ballot, a candidate must file nomination papers with Elections Canada, which include signatures from voters in the riding. Some people cannot run, such as certain election officers and people who hold certain other offices, but most adult citizens are eligible. A candidate does not have to live in the riding they run in.
Canada is divided into electoral districts called ridings, each represented by one Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. On election day, the candidate with the most votes wins the seat. MPs debate and vote on laws, represent their constituents and may serve in Cabinet. The same age and citizenship rules apply to voting: citizens 18 or older may vote. Permanent residents cannot vote or run in federal elections. For the test, connect this question with who can vote, the role of an MP, the secret ballot and the right to run for office.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- Anyone: Only Canadian citizens can run; permanent residents and visitors cannot.
- Any man who is at least 18 years old: Both men and women have equal rights to run for office.
- A Canadian citizen who is 16 years old: The minimum age to run and to vote federally is 18, not 16.
What is the most common mistake?
Some think anyone living in Canada can run, or that the age is 16. A candidate must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old, of any gender.
How can you remember the answer?
"Citizen 18": the same two rules (citizenship, age 18) apply to both voting and running.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
87% of 107 practice answers from about 73 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "Any man who is at least 18 years old", chosen 8% 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 53rd easiest 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.