Listen Live
Listen Live
9 C
Olds
HomeElectionsFederal Election 2025Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

It is now 7 p.m. PDT and polls have officially closed across the country in the 2025 federal election.

The counting has been well underway in the rest of Canada east of the Pacific time zone.

The main parties – the Conservative Party of Canada led by Pierre Poilievre, the Liberals led by Mark Carney, and the New Democratic Party, led by Jagmeet Singh – are looking to capture at least 172 seats in the House of Commons to form a majority government. This is based on the new total of 343 seats, reflecting the recent electoral redistribution that added five seats to the previous 338-seat configuration.

Canada employs a first-past-the-post electoral system, where each of the 343 ridings elects one Member of Parliament. The candidate with the most votes in each riding wins the seat, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority. This system allows a party to form a majority government without necessarily winning the majority of the national popular vote.

If no party achieves the 172-seat threshold, the result is a minority government. The governing party must then seek support from other parties to pass legislation and maintain confidence in the House of Commons.

The Elections Canada website offers this breakdown of the counting process:

Counting votes

  • Trained and paid election workers count the ballots.
  • The ballot-counting procedures for federal elections are set out in the Canada Elections Act,
    the law that governs federal elections.
  • Candidates, candidates’ representatives or other designated observers are allowed to watch
    the counting of the votes.
  • Before the count, election workers close the doors of the voting place. No one is allowed to
    enter or leave.
  • The election officer who counts the votes then:
    • Counts the number of electors who voted.
    • Counts the spoiled ballots, places them in an envelope supplied for this purpose and seals
      it. A spoiled ballot is one that became unusable—for example, because it was accidentally
      torn by the elector (who was then given a replacement ballot). Spoiled ballots are never
      deposited into the ballot box.
    • Counts the unused ballots that are not detached from the booklets of ballots, places them
      in the envelope supplied for this purpose and seals it.
    • Totals the number of electors who voted, the number of spoiled ballots and the number of
      unused ballots to ensure that all ballots provided by the returning officer (i.e. the official who
      manages the election in the riding) are accounted for.
  • With many people watching, the election officer unfolds each ballot and says aloud the names
    marked on each ballot taken out of the ballot box.
  • Staff tally up the votes, record the tallies on paper and report the totals to the returning officer.
  • The returning officer records the vote counts in a computerized results aggregation and
    reporting system that securely sends the information to Elections Canada’s main office.

In the last general election on Sept. 20, 2021, there were 17,209,811 votes cast for a turnout of 62.6 per cent.

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -

Search results for: Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

Mountain View Hospice Society’s annual memorial butterfly release on July 13

The butterfly release for the Mountain View Hospice Society is a beautiful annual ceremony and it is coming up this weekend.

Crossfield teacher arrested, charged with multiple alleged sexual offences

An extensive investigation into multiple sexual offences has led Airdrie Rural RCMP to make an arrest.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

<p>

</p>

Suspect from Sundre arrested by Airdrie RCMP following multiple vehicle thefts

A woman from Sundre was recently arrested by Airdrie RCMP in connection to multiple vehicle thefts.

Clint’s Kitchen fundraising BBQ on July 9

Clint's Neighbourhood Kitchen provides free neighbourhood suppers every Wednesday night.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Lammle’s Western Wear New Music Monday – Week of July 7, 2025 

This week on Lammle's Western Wear New Music Monday for the week of July 7th

Trade, infrastructure among priorities as more Alberta-Ontario agreements are signed

A visit to the Calgary Stampede has led to more than just gifts being exchanged between the Premiers of Alberta and Ontario.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Jamie Laboucane closes in on Chanse Vigen’s aggregate lead on Night 3 in Calgary

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, Jamie Laboucane from St. Walburg, Saskatchewan finished with the fastest time last night.

Strathmore resident killed in fatal motor vehicle collision south of Irricana

Alberta RCMP responded to a tragic incident on the province's highways over the weekend.

cklj Now playing play

ckjx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

<p>

</p>

Search results for: Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

Mountain View Hospice Society’s annual memorial butterfly release on July 13

The butterfly release for the Mountain View Hospice Society is a beautiful annual ceremony and it is coming up this weekend.

Crossfield teacher arrested, charged with multiple alleged sexual offences

An extensive investigation into multiple sexual offences has led Airdrie Rural RCMP to make an arrest.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

<p>

</p>

Suspect from Sundre arrested by Airdrie RCMP following multiple vehicle thefts

A woman from Sundre was recently arrested by Airdrie RCMP in connection to multiple vehicle thefts.

Clint’s Kitchen fundraising BBQ on July 9

Clint's Neighbourhood Kitchen provides free neighbourhood suppers every Wednesday night.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Lammle’s Western Wear New Music Monday – Week of July 7, 2025 

This week on Lammle's Western Wear New Music Monday for the week of July 7th

Trade, infrastructure among priorities as more Alberta-Ontario agreements are signed

A visit to the Calgary Stampede has led to more than just gifts being exchanged between the Premiers of Alberta and Ontario.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Jamie Laboucane closes in on Chanse Vigen’s aggregate lead on Night 3 in Calgary

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, Jamie Laboucane from St. Walburg, Saskatchewan finished with the fastest time last night.

Strathmore resident killed in fatal motor vehicle collision south of Irricana

Alberta RCMP responded to a tragic incident on the province's highways over the weekend.

cklj Now playing play

ckjx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

<p>

</p>

Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

Sample author description

Author Archive

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

Mountain View Hospice Society’s annual memorial butterfly release on July 13

The butterfly release for the Mountain View Hospice Society is a beautiful annual ceremony and it is coming up this weekend.

Crossfield teacher arrested, charged with multiple alleged sexual offences

An extensive investigation into multiple sexual offences has led Airdrie Rural RCMP to make an arrest.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

<p>

</p>

Suspect from Sundre arrested by Airdrie RCMP following multiple vehicle thefts

A woman from Sundre was recently arrested by Airdrie RCMP in connection to multiple vehicle thefts.

Clint’s Kitchen fundraising BBQ on July 9

Clint's Neighbourhood Kitchen provides free neighbourhood suppers every Wednesday night.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Lammle’s Western Wear New Music Monday – Week of July 7, 2025 

This week on Lammle's Western Wear New Music Monday for the week of July 7th

Trade, infrastructure among priorities as more Alberta-Ontario agreements are signed

A visit to the Calgary Stampede has led to more than just gifts being exchanged between the Premiers of Alberta and Ontario.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Jamie Laboucane closes in on Chanse Vigen’s aggregate lead on Night 3 in Calgary

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, Jamie Laboucane from St. Walburg, Saskatchewan finished with the fastest time last night.

Strathmore resident killed in fatal motor vehicle collision south of Irricana

Alberta RCMP responded to a tragic incident on the province's highways over the weekend.

cklj Now playing play

ckjx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

<p>

</p>

Polls are now closed across Canada and the counting begins

Category Archive

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

Mountain View Hospice Society’s annual memorial butterfly release on July 13

The butterfly release for the Mountain View Hospice Society is a beautiful annual ceremony and it is coming up this weekend.

Crossfield teacher arrested, charged with multiple alleged sexual offences

An extensive investigation into multiple sexual offences has led Airdrie Rural RCMP to make an arrest.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 9

Suspect from Sundre arrested by Airdrie RCMP following multiple vehicle thefts

A woman from Sundre was recently arrested by Airdrie RCMP in connection to multiple vehicle thefts.

Clint’s Kitchen fundraising BBQ on July 9

Clint's Neighbourhood Kitchen provides free neighbourhood suppers every Wednesday night.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 8

Lammle’s Western Wear New Music Monday – Week of July 7, 2025 

This week on Lammle's Western Wear New Music Monday for the week of July 7th

Trade, infrastructure among priorities as more Alberta-Ontario agreements are signed

A visit to the Calgary Stampede has led to more than just gifts being exchanged between the Premiers of Alberta and Ontario.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings-July 7

Jamie Laboucane closes in on Chanse Vigen’s aggregate lead on Night 3 in Calgary

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, Jamie Laboucane from St. Walburg, Saskatchewan finished with the fastest time last night.

Strathmore resident killed in fatal motor vehicle collision south of Irricana

Alberta RCMP responded to a tragic incident on the province's highways over the weekend.

cklj Now playing play

ckjx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Vigen, Laboucane leading Rangeland Derby aggregate standings heading into Night 7

As heard on 96.5 The Ranch, the top time of the night on Wednesday at the Rangeland Derby belonged to Calgary's Chanse Vigen.

Investigation into conduct of Springbank Community H.S. teacher leads to additional charges

A former Springbank Community High School teacher has been arrested for a second time this year.

Unofficial winners from 2025 Benalto Stampede

The 107th Benalto Stampede is in the books.

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Century 21 Bravo Realty Trading Post Listings- july 10

Mavericks hope to keep on winning through final weekend of RMLL regular season

The Mountain View Mavericks are heading into the final weekend of their regular season in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

<p>

</p>