Is it okay to use an electronic device or mobile phone inside a polling place?
Voters, candidates and candidates’ representatives may use an electronic device such as a mobile phone in a polling place for certain purposes.
For example, voters may use their mobile device to show proof of identity and address documents issued electronically (such as e-statements or e-invoices).
Voters with disabilities, in particular people with a visual impairment, may use a personal mobile device such as a smart phone to read their ballot behind the voting screen.
Otherwise, inside the voting room, voters, candidates and candidates’ representatives may not:
- be disruptive
- take photos
- make an audio or video recording
- jeopardize the secrecy of the vote or the privacy of voters
Can I share a photo of my marked ballot? Can I post it on my social media account?
No. Your vote is secret. It is an offense to show a photo of a marked ballot.
If you’re enthusiastic about voting and want to share your experience with your friends, take a photo of yourself outside of the polling station and encourage others to vote.
What's the role of scrutineers? What are the rules about what they can and can't do?
Candidates and candidates’ representatives (scrutineers) are allowed to observe the election process to ensure the integrity of the vote. Scrutineers may also challenge voters to prove their identify, however they cannot prevent an elector from voting.
Scrutineers and candidates may not interfere with the voting process or impede a voter from moving about in a poll. Scrutineers and candidates may not ask an elector how they voted or ask to see their marked ballot.
Scrutineers and Candidates may not campaign or attempt to influence an elector within a polling place.