In Canada, political leaders are chosen by the citizens through an electoral system. In federal, provincial and municipal elections, the public votes for political leaders by secret balloting. Secret Balloting means you vote in private and no one can find out who you voted for. It is strictly private.

Candidates in federal or provincial elections represent a political party, which is an organization or group sharing the same political values. These parties may differ between federal and provincial areas. Municipal candidates do not generally affiliate themselves with a political party.

To vote in a Federal Election you must be
 

• A Canadian Citizen
• Age 18 or older
• Registered on the voters list

For more information visit the Elections Canada website.

To vote in a Nova Scotia Provincial or Municipal Election, you must be:

• A Canadian Citizen (provincial election only)
• Age 18 or older
• Registered voter in the electoral district
• A resident of Nova Scotia for at least 6 months prior to election date (provincial election only)

For more information visit the Elections Nova Scotia website.