Here’s how to vote by mail in the federal election

Anyone looking to vote by mail in the upcoming federal election must apply to do so by Sept. 14.

Elections Canada released a step-by-step guide to voting by mail for the Sept. 20 election Thursday.

The easiest way to apply is by going online. Voters can also print off an application form and send it by mail or fax. Contact Elections Canada to get a form. A copy of proof of identity and current address must be attached with the form.

Once a voter applies to vote by mail ahead of the 6 p.m. eastern deadline on Sept. 14, Elections Canada will review the application and then mail a voting kit once it is accepted.

Voting kits include instructions, details about deadlines, a pre-addressed and prepaid return envelope, additional security envelopes to protect the secrecy of your vote and a special ballot to write the name of the candidate.

Voters then mail the completed ballot back by the deadline on election day. There is no cost or stamps needed.

Elections Canada is urging voters to plan early and allow enough time for the special ballot voting kit to reach its destination and additional time to return the marked ballot to Elections Canada by election day.

“Your ballot is your responsibility. Your marked ballot must arrive at Elections Canada by the deadline on election day, or it cannot be counted. Check the instructions in your voting kit,” the media release from Elections Canada said.

Voters may not can’t change their minds and vote in person at advance polls or on election day once they applied to vote by mail. The name will be crossed off on the list of electors.

Voting by mail is secret and secure. Read on the Vote-by-mail security features and safeguards.

Typically, the application process takes up to 72 hours, but things may take a bit longer over the first few days, according to Elections Canada.

Voting kits are “coming soon.”

Elections Canada maintains voting at advance or election day polls is still the simplest and most efficient option.