How Do I Vote? A guide for the new voter.

OK, so you've never voted before and you don't know what to expect when you go to the polling station? It's ok. We all have to do it a first time. Here's a description of what will happen.

I know it can be scary, going into an unknown situation. It's going to be OK.

1. Register to Vote

First, you want to be sure you're registered to vote.You can check that here. Even if you have never voted before, you might be registered if you have not moved since you submitted you tax return in April. Didn't submit a tax return?  Don't panic. It's still OK.

You can still vote, but you will need ID. If you have a valid drivers licence with your photo and address on it, you're laughing. No drivers' licence? It's still OK. If you are a Canadian citizen over 18, you are entitled to vote. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

But, you will need some extra proof of who you are and where you live. This explains how to register with other ID. Here is a list of acceptable ID to vote.

Ok. You have sorted out your ID requirements. What next?

2. Who to Vote for?

Figure out who you want to vote for. There is a lot of information online about the parties, the candidates and their platforms.  There are also tools online to help you decide.

CBC Vote Compass 
This tool presents you with specific policies and asks a range from strongly agree to strongly disagree (e.g. Corporate taxes should be raised), or if you think there should be a range from much less to much more (e.g. How much should private companies be involved in healthcare). There are a bunch of demographic questions at the end. Pretty painless.

Macleans Vote Face-Off Machine This tool has you choose between two policies at a time. Sometimes the choice will be obvious. Sometimes it will be two policies you support and you have to choose the one you value more. Sometimes it will be two policies you don't like and you have to choose the lesser of two evils. They recommend doing at least 20 pairings, and the more you do, the more accurate your results.

If you are committed to getting the CPC out of power, there are tools to show which progressive candidate in your riding has the best chance of keeping the seat away from the Conservatives.

If you are in one of the 128 critical ridings, go here to find the recommended vote.

Or you can try to find a recommendation for your riding here.

 3. Going to Vote

There are options for voting. You can vote in an advance poll. You can vote by mail. You can vote at any Elections Canada office in the country provided you know your riding, have proper ID and know the name of the candidate you want to vote for (Correct spelling of the name is critical). You can find out about these options here

If you are going to vote on election day (October 19), you will go to the polling station that corresponds with your home address. Remember, your employer is required by law to give you time off to vote without penalty. You can find out details about this here

So, you get to the polling station. There will likely be older people there. Older people ALWAYS vote. Don't be intimidated. You might have to wait in line a long time. Do it. This is your right as a Canadian. Don't let a slow process take that right away from you.

You will not have to go through airport-like security. You will not have to remove your shoes, or any other items of clothing, and no one will swipe a metal detector wand over you.

When it's your turn, you go to a table (someone will direct you based on your address). They will either find your name on the voter list and cross it off (so no one else can try to pretend to be you and use your vote), or you will have to prove you are eligible to vote. You can do this with your drivers licence, or your two pieces of ID. You may have to sign an oath saying you are who you say you are, and you may need someone to vouch for you. They must have their ID and live in the same polling district as you do.

Once you have established your right to vote, you will be given a ballot. It will look something like this:

You will take your ballot behind a sort of comical cardboard stand-up screen where there will be a pencil.

Each candidate will be listed, along with their party affiliation. Choose the one you want to vote for and mark an X in the circle next to the name. Do not make a check mark, or your ballot may be regarded as "spoiled" and you will lose your vote. Do not make any other marks on the ballot, or add any comments, or your ballot will be spoiled.

Once you have marked your ballot, you bring it back to the table and the campaign worker will tear a strip off it and hand it back to you. You will push it into the ballot box. And, hey! Guess what? You're done. YOU VOTED!

Here is a video showing what happens at the polling place.

Don't forget to take a selfie as you leave the polling station, in front of the Election Canada sign. #IVoted.

Congratulations. You will have taken part in Canadian democracy and had your say in the future of our country!