A note on how Elections Canada counts ballots.

In short, every ballot is counted by hand. At least two witnesses — usually representatives of local candidates — are required to verify each ballot.

Once the ballot is confirmed in front of the witnesses, it is tallied. But where and when that happens can depend on how the ballots were cast.

Votes cast on election day are counted at the polling station after the polls close.

Ballots cast during advance polling days are also counted on election night, at a local Elections Canada office in each riding. Typically, counting advance ballots begins an hour before polls close. But due to high turnout during advance polls, Elections Canada said it will start counting two hours ahead of polls closing.

After all ballots are counted, the results are phoned in to Elections Canada, then posted online.

Special ballots cast at the local office ahead of election day, as well as mail-in ballots sent in by voters from within their riding, are counted at those offices on election night after polls close.

Mail-in ballots sent in by voters from outside their riding, from abroad or using the school campus program are counted at Elections Canada’s headquarters in Ottawa. They can be counted up to 14 days ahead of election night, depending on volume.