Elections Manitoba

The following conditions apply if you are studying at a school located in Manitoba, but live away from home.

• If your course of study is longer than six months you will vote in the electoral division you live in while attending school.
• If your course of study is shorter than six months you will vote in your home electoral division.

Eligible voters attending school outside Manitoba can still vote in a Manitoba provincial election.

To qualify as a student absentee voter you must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be 18 years old on or before election day
• intend to return to live in Manitoba when you are done your studies*

*The six-month residency rule is waived for students

When do I apply?

Before an election is called, and if you will be away for at least a month, you can submit an application to Elections Manitoba. Your name will be placed on the Absentee Voters registry, and forwarded to your returning office once it opens. The returning office will then send you an absentee ballot, a list of candidates and instructions.

Once the returning office for your electoral division is open for an election, you can submit your application there. Or go to any returning office in Manitoba and have your application and copies of your identification sent to the returning office in your electoral division. Addresses for returning offices will be published in local newspapers, on this website, or can be obtained by contacting us. The returning office will then send you an absentee ballot, a list of candidates and instructions.

How do I apply?

Download the application form (PDF, 370.3 KB), then apply in person, by email, mail or fax. Application must include copies of the required identification.

Required identification

Legible copies of government issued photo identification, such as a driver's licence, or two documents that together confirm your identity. Find out more about acceptable ID.

For more information please contact us.