Canadians residing outside the country are rallying for enhanced engagement in federal elections, expressing concerns that existing voting obstacles may skew outcomes. With nearly five million Canadians living overseas, approximately 3.5 million are eligible to cast their votes, according to Timothy Veale, the director of Grits Abroad, an organisation aimed at mobilising Liberal voters beyond Canada’s borders.
Low Turnout Rates for Overseas Voters
Despite the significant number of Canadians abroad, participation in federal elections remains dismally low. Veale noted that the voting rate among non-resident Canadians hovers in the low single digits. He attributes this alarming statistic to a variety of factors, including the exclusive reliance on mail-in ballots, tight timelines for voting, and uncertainty surrounding ballot delivery. Furthermore, he highlighted a notable deficiency in outreach from political parties, leaving many potential voters unaware of their electoral rights.
Daniel Scuka, a Grits Abroad member based in Germany, voiced similar frustrations, insisting that political parties must “wake up” to the needs of Canadians living overseas. He echoed Veale’s sentiments, advocating for Elections Canada to enhance its support for overseas voting.
A Call for Political Engagement
Veale believes that federal parties should actively seek the support of overseas voters rather than overlook them. “I’d like to see a politician ask us for our vote,” he remarked, noting that during the last election, there appeared to be little effort made to engage the approximately five million Canadians living outside the country.
He called for a modernization of the voting system, suggesting that Canadians abroad should have the option to vote in person at embassies, consulates, or high commissions. He also pointed out that several countries have successfully implemented online voting, which could serve as a model for Canada.
“The right to vote is fundamental, and a 37-day election period is not conducive for those living abroad who need to navigate complex postal systems,” Veale explained. “If we can learn from how other nations facilitate voting, then Canada can surely do better.”
Statistics on Overseas Voting
Elections Canada reported that during the last general election, a total of 101,690 voting kits were sent to Canadians living abroad. Out of these, only 57,440 were returned in time to be counted. Unfortunately, 20,013 kits were returned too late, while 411 were disqualified due to incomplete information on the outer envelope. Additionally, 23,826 voting kits were either not returned or cancelled by voters.
Matthew McKenna, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, stated that the agency employs social media to inform international voters about registration and ballot application procedures. He emphasised that voters can register at any time, even between elections, and ballots are dispatched promptly once an election is called.
McKenna also mentioned that the chief electoral officer has recommended extending the minimum election period for non-fixed-date elections. This proposal aims to alleviate the issues surrounding the timely return of international ballots, as the current law stipulates that elections must last between 37 and 51 days.
Why it Matters
The participation of Canadians living abroad in federal elections is not just a matter of numbers; it reflects the broader democratic engagement of Canadian citizens globally. Addressing the barriers to voting for expatriates could not only enhance electoral participation but also ensure that the voices of all Canadians are represented, regardless of their geographical location. The call for reform highlights a crucial opportunity for political parties and Elections Canada to modernise the voting process and re-engage with a significant portion of the Canadian population living outside the borders.
