Who has the right to vote in federal elections?
Quick answer: A Canadian citizen, 18 years or older, and on voters' list. In our practice tests 93% of 97 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “A Canadian citizen, 18 years or older and must work for the federal government”.
Why is this the correct answer?
To vote in a federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old. You must also be on the voters' list, which you can register for through Elections Canada.
Study Tip
To answer this question, consider the requirements for participating in a democratic process in Canada, which typically involve a certain level of residency and age. Think about the basic qualifications for exercising one's right to vote.
Try it yourself
Can you answer these 3 citizenship test questions?
1. What is a voter information card?
2. When you vote on election day, what do you do?
3. In Canada, are you obliged to tell other people how you voted?
The real test has 20 questions in 45 minutes. You need 15 correct to pass.
Take the full citizenship practice testWhat should you know about this topic?
To vote in a federal election in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day, and be on the voters' list (or register at the polls). Elections Canada keeps the National Register of Electors, a list of eligible voters that is used to send voter information cards before an election.
Discover Canada explains that voting is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right of every citizen to vote. Canada uses a secret ballot, so no one can be forced to tell anyone else how they voted. Voters who are not on the list can still register on election day by showing proof of identity and address. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections; becoming a citizen gives them this right.
Voting is not limited to certain jobs or groups. Canadians do not need to work for the government or serve in the military to vote, and the minimum age is 18, not higher. Many people also vote in provincial or territorial and municipal elections, which have their own rules. This topic connects to test questions about election day steps, electoral districts, the secret ballot, and the history of the right to vote for women and other groups. Citizenship, age and registration are the three requirements to remember.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- A landed immigrant, 18 years old and a member of the Canadian Forces: Only citizens can vote federally, and military service is not required.
- A Canadian citizen, over 25 years and a member of the Canadian Forces: The voting age is 18, and military service is not a requirement.
- A Canadian citizen, 18 years or older and must work for the federal government: Your job has nothing to do with your right to vote.
What is the most common mistake?
Some learners think permanent residents (once called landed immigrants) can vote. Only Canadian citizens 18 or older can vote in federal elections.
How can you remember the answer?
Three Cs for voting: Citizen, Coming of age (18), and on the Count (voters' list).
Original data
How many people get this question right?
93% of 97 practice answers from about 65 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "A Canadian citizen, 18 years or older and must work for the federal government", chosen 4% 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 22nd 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.