We are very fortunate to have the right to vote. Some countries do not have this privilege. People in the past have fought for our freedom. It is important for us to protect our freedom by participating in elections.

Your vote can make a difference in how the country is run. We have a choice of parties and candidates. We need to listen to each candidate and make a decision about who would best run the district.

Please get out and vote. Every vote counts!

The following story was written by Derek King, Terry Noel and Randy Wiseman, students at the Literacy Outreach Centre, Grand Falls- Windsor.

Things You Need To Know

Who can vote?

Everyone who was born in Canada, and 18 years of age or older, can vote on voting day. However, there are a few exceptions. If you lived out of the country or more then five years or if you are serving a prison term of more than two years, you cannot vote.

Am I on the voters' list?

You should have received a voter information card in the mail by now. This card tells you if you are correctly registered on the voters' list. The information on the card may be wrong. If it is, you need to contact the returning officer in your district. This information is on the back of your card. Some people will not receive cards. You should call the returning officer for your district to make sure you are registered. You can call1-800-INFO- VOTE (1-800- 463-6868), free of charge, to get the information you need.

Where do I vote?

You vote at a polling station. Polling stations are set up at various locations within your electoral district. You can only vote at the polling. Your voter registration card tells you where your polling station is located.

I will be out of town on voting day. Can I vote at another time?

Your voter registration card will tell you the dates and places of advance polls. You can also vote by special ballot, either by mail or in person, at the office of your returning officer. You must register by 6:00 p.m. on the sixth day before election day.

Can I register to vote on election day?

Yes, you can register to vote at the polling station on election day. There are two ways to register to vote.

Provide valid identification (such as a driver's licence or one piece of identification showing your name and address, and showing your name and signature) to the deputy returning officer or registration officer.

You can also have someone on the voters' list vouch for you. Both you and the voucher take an oath and make a solemn declaration before the returning officer.

What is my electoral district?

Canada is divided into 301 electoral districts. One representative, or member of Parliament (MP), is elected for each electoral district. To find out the name of your electoral district, call:

1-800-INFO-VOTE
(1-800-463-6868)