A poll worker in Hamilton has been fined $1,250 for voting twice in the 2021 federal election. The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) imposed the penalty after Elections Canada discovered the individual, who shares the same name, birthday, and address as another voter, cast ballots both in advance and on election day. The individual was working at a polling station on election day, September 20, 2021, after having voted on September 17, 2021.
The fine was increased from $1,000 to $1,250 because the individual was a poll worker, highlighting the increased scrutiny such cases receive. Elections Canada closely monitors ballot integrity, and while voter fraud is extremely rare in Canada, this case demonstrates the system's safeguards. The penalty is one of only six issued across Canada for voting more than once in a federal election in the past six years.
According to data from the CCE, no such penalties were issued in 2021 or 2023, with isolated cases in other years: one in 2022, two in 2024, and three in 2025. Illegal voting is considered a serious violation that can undermine electoral integrity, thus carrying higher baseline penalties. The Commissioner of Canada Elections is responsible for enforcing election law, and individuals who suspect violations can report them to the Commissioner's office for investigation.
