Confidential nature of data

How do we protect the privacy of the elector information found on the permanent list of electors?

The information on the permanent list of electors can only be used to produce the lists of electors required for provincial, municipal or school elections, or for municipal or provincial referendums.

Under the Election Act, we are also entitled to use this information for verification, investigation and prosecution.

Our staff members who have access to this information are aware of its confidential nature and must sign a confidentiality agreement every year.

For more information on the protection measures for elector information, please see the Personal Information File Declaration (in French only).

Who can receive elector information?

The Election Act prohibits the communication of elector information without the individual’s consent, for any purpose other than those included in the Act.

As such, according to the Act, we can communicate elector information to the following stakeholders:

• Returning officers for municipalities and school boards, during an election period.
• Elections Canada, to update the National Register of Electors.
• Sheriffs, to create jury lists.

The Election Act also stipulates that provincial political parties and members of the National Assembly (MNAs) may receive the list of electors registered on the permanent list of electors in January, April and September of each year. However, MNAs are only entitled to receive the list of electors for their electoral division.

Provincial political parties and candidates may also receive lists of electors during an election period. However, candidates may only receive the list of electors for the electoral division in which they are running.

What information is sent to the political parties?

The lists of electors sent to provincial political parties, MNAs and candidates contain the following information about electors:

• First and last name
• Address
• Sex
• Date of birth

What are the obligations of the provincial political parties, MNAs and candidates regarding the lists of electors they receive?

In order to obtain the lists of electors, the MNAs and individuals designated by the political parties must sign a confidentiality agreement stating that they agree to take the appropriate measures to safeguard the privacy of the information and to restrict its use to the purposes provided for by the Election Act.

Candidates running in provincial elections are invited to sign a confidentiality agreement before obtaining lists of electors.

The Election Act does not allow elector information to be used, communicated or be allowed to be communicated for reasons other than those included in the Act, or to be communicated or allowed to be communicated to anyone who is not legally entitled to receive it.

For more information, please see the document The Confidentiality of Information Regarding Electors – Guide for candidates, Members of the National Assembly and provincial political parties.

How may I access my personal information entered on the permanent list of electors?

You can request access to your personal information by making a request to an access to information and privacy officer.

Is your name entered on the list of electors?

In order to vote, you must be registered on the list of electors. You can use the application on our website at any time to check if your name is entered on the list of electors.