What you need to know on federal election day in Nova Scotia
CBC News | Posted: April 28, 2025 9:00 AM | Last Updated: April 28
Polls across Nova Scotia are open from 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. AT
After 36 days of official campaigning, it's election day in Canada.
Today marks the last chance Nova Scotians have to cast their ballots, with polls open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. AT.
An estimated 26 per cent of eligible voters in the province already cast their ballots in advance polls over the Easter weekend, an increase from previous elections.
Across the country, an estimated 7.3 million votes were recorded at advance polls, according to Elections Canada, an increase of 25 per cent from the 2021 federal election. On the Friday alone, more than two million people voted — a single-day record.
How to vote
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on election day and be able to prove your identity and address. You can only vote at your assigned polling station.
You can find your polling station on your voting card, or via the Elections Canada website by entering your postal code.
WATCH | Voting in the Canadian federal election, explained:
When to vote
Peak voting times vary throughout the day. According to Elections Canada, the busiest times are early in the morning and after 4 p.m. until the polls close. The less busy times are during the midday hours, with noon to 4 p.m. being the best time.
All electors still in line at the end of voting hours will be allowed to vote, regardless of the length of the line.
Elections Canada says polling stations will either have an automatic door or an election worker by the door to offer assistance. However, if your polling station does not meet your needs or if you need assistance with another language or sign language, you can contact Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).
How to follow live results
CBC News will have up-to-the-minute election results and CBC Nova Scotia will have coverage of local races.
CBC's election special is set to start at 7:30 p.m. on CBCNews.ca, CBC Gem, CBC News Network, CBC Radio and CBC News YouTube.
Download the CBC News App for free to get breaking news alerts and full election results.
What are the major parties promising?
If you want to know how the Conservatives, New Democrats, Liberals, Greens, Bloc Québécois and People's Party of Canada compare on the issues that matter to you in this campaign, check out our platform tracker.
Vote Compass
Vote Compass is a tool developed by political scientists to help you explore how your views compare with those of the parties. Take the questionnaire.
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