The next Provincial election is on October 3, 2023. This is Manitoba’s 43rd general election.
Who are Manitobans voting for?
Manitoba is divided into 57 areas or electoral divisions (know your electoral division on this page: Voter information). In a provincial election, people vote for their Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). Your MLA represents your electoral division.
MLAs are our voices in matters like health care, education, transportation, and social assistance. If you will recall, Canada has three levels of government: Federal, provincial, and municipal. Each has its own set of responsibilities. The provincial government’s responsibilities encompass:
- Courts and civil laws
- Property laws
- Highways
- Education and schools
- Driver’s licences
- Health services and hospitals
- Provincial parks and heritage sites
- Management of province’s natural resources
- Labour laws: minimum wages, work conditions, safety
- Liquor licenses
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Family courts, child custody
- Child protection services
- Legal names
- Birth certificates
Who can vote?
You can vote if you:
- are a Canadian citizen
- are at least 18 years old on election day; and
- have lived in Manitoba for six months immediately before election day.
If you meet these requirements and you’re registered, you can vote. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, you can go to the voter registration service at electionsmanitoba.ca or call 204-815-2996, toll-free 1-866-339-4870.
You can get more voting information in multiple languages on this page: Voting information for new Canadian citizens.
When can I vote?
You can vote in advance or on Election Day.
If you will be away on election day, you can choose advance voting or absentee voting. Advance voting is held for eight days, beginning the Saturday 10 days before the election day. You can vote at polling places in the province. These are announced before the start of advance voting.
Absentee voters, like those who need to travel outside of Manitoba, can apply online or at their local office. They can also fill out the application form and return it with acceptable ID. Go to this page to know more about Absentee Voting.
If you are unable to go to a voting place because of a disability, you have several options: Accessibility services and Options
I am not eligible to vote yet. How can I participate?
There are many things you can do as a newcomer. You can:
- Learn more about how the province is governed. Follow the news and learn more about important issues in Manitoba. Know what the province’s leaders are doing to solve them. CBC’s Here’s everything you need to know about all 57 ridings in Manitoba’s upcoming election can help you learn more about each area.
Also read the guide Voting Information for newcomers so you’ll know what to do when you become eligible to vote. The guide is available in various languages. Scroll down on this page to find the version you prefer: Voting Information for New Canadians.
- Work for Election Manitoba – Election Manitoba is currently looking to fill several positions. This is a great opportunity to see the electoral process in action and up close.
Sources: Elections Manitoba, and Manitoba Education. Accessed August 25, 2023.