Elections Canada: Vote Swapping Legal (but be careful)

According to the CBC Elections Canada has decided that vote swapping is legal but wars that it is possible for some parties to abuse this system in order to trick voters.

"James Hale, a spokesman for the federal agency, said the act of encouraging someone to vote in a particular way is allowed under the Elections Act.

It's also acceptable for people to invite voters to participate in an organized strategic voting plan, whether on the internet or through other means, he said.

But, he said, "electors should be cautious for a couple of reasons."

Voters could potentially be misled by someone acting under a false identity who tricks them into voting a particular way, which would be an offence under the Elections Act.

Since people cast ballots alone in a voting booth, it is also difficult to verify whether they actually voted as promised."

So trade away. Sure it is possible that some people might be tricked but this is one situation where I think you have to trust in the honesty of your fellow man. It is, after all, an awful lot of work to go to to create a false identity, and persuade someone to swap with you just to pick up one extra vote. Also, have a look at how they are asking you to vote. If they are asking you to vote Liberal, or NDP etc., in a riding where that party doesn't stand a chance, then it's a little suspicious. Also, look at their Facebook page. If they have zero friends, or one or two friends it might very well not be a real person. If they are a real person look at what it says on their profile under Politics, if they are a conservative and have real friends who are also conservatives they are unlikely to change their political affiliation to NDP just to trick you (too many questions from their friends and they would have to admit dishonesty and fraud). If you can see their full profile, you can also check what groups they are in - which may tell you something about their leanings.