The Role of Security in Canada’s Federal Election Process
We were deeply honoured to provide security services at multiple Elections Canada polling stations during the 2025 Canadian Federal Election. Our security teams safeguarded over 50 polling locations in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area. We’re proud to support such an important national event and help to create a safe environment for every citizen to make their voice heard and shape the future. In this blog, we’ll share how Blackbird Security guards protected these sites and why a security presence is so crucial during voting day.
Blackbird Security at the 2025 Canadian Federal Election
At each location under our protection, we deployed at least one static guard along with mobile officers patrolling multiple polling locations, ensuring continuous coverage and swift response times to incidents.
Two Blackbird Security uniformed security guards and one mobile guard protected the Vancouver Granville Elections Canada office and 22 polling sites in Vancouver between 9 AM - 9 PM.
In Ontario, we safeguarded the Etobicoke North Elections Canada office and 32 polling stations during the day on April 28th, with one site receiving additional overnight coverage. Between April 18 and 21, we safeguarded six early voting sites throughout Etobicoke.
It was a true honour to support these essential locations during the election. We appreciate Elections Canada for their trust in us!
Why Are Security Guards Needed at Election Sites?
In the weeks leading up to the election, Stéphane Perrault, the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, highlighted the need for a “secure and accessible” federal election in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Security spending to protect polling locations and offices was approved in advance across every riding in Canada, compared to previous elections, where security expenses were approved individually.
The 2021 Federal Election, which took place during the pandemic, saw disruptions from protestors attempting to obstruct entrances to polling stations. Additionally, CSIS noted a marked increase in threats directed at public servants during this period. These events informed Elections Canada’s decisions regarding security measures at polling stations for the most recent election.
The Role of Security Guards at Election Sites
Especially in situations where tensions may escalate, events with large crowds and sensitive materials like ballots and voting equipment should utilize professional security services. Here’s how our election security guards kept voting sites safe:
Maintaining Site Safety
Uniformed security guards created a visible deterrent against bad actors and disruptive voters. When individuals know they’re under close surveillance, they are less likely to disrupt an event. Additionally, the presence of security guards created an environment of safety for voters throughout the event, who knew help was nearby if needed.
When safeguarding an voting site, it’s important for election security guards to remain neutral and non-confrontational, refraining from engaging in political discussions or interfering with voting procedures in any way. Their role is to protect the safety of voters without engaging in political discussions.
Managing Crowds
Election security guards ensured lineups were orderly, non-disruptive, and organized. They de-escalated disputes as they arose, while closely monitoring crowds for signs of unruly behaviour and arguments.
At Blackbird Security, our guards prioritize de-escalation, using verbal tactics and strategies to calm agitated individuals and remove them from the situation as needed. Our guards receive extensive training in de-escalation through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy.
Assisting with Emergencies
Security guards can significantly impact the outcome of medical emergencies. They are typically the first ones on the scene in emergencies and are trained in first aid, which they can administer to injured individuals before first responders arrive.
In cases of fire alarms, building evacuations, or when threats have been received, security guards are crucial during the evacuation process, ensuring every individual exits the polling station safely while maintaining calm. We’re proud that guards at Blackbird Security have been instrumental in saving lives during fires in the past, acting decisively and recalling training to keep people safe during emergencies.
Communicate with Election Officials
Security guards worked closely with Elections Canada staff members to ensure each polling location ran smoothly and safely. Guards took direction from site supervisors and collaborated with staff to address security concerns throughout the day.
Security guards are trained to identify and report suspicious behaviour, including attempted voting interference. Communication and early intervention helped ensure incidents were resolved quickly and proactively.
Protect Sensitive Materials
Beyond protecting voters and polling station staff, election security guards also safeguarded election materials. Guards patrolled secure areas of polling stations, ensuring that unauthorized individuals did not gain access.
After ballots had been counted at the end of voting, they were sealed in a ballot box and transported to the nearest Elections Canada office along with other sensitive materials. Security guards assisted staff in escorting sensitive materials to designated vehicles to ensure loading was conducted without incident.
Overnight Protection
Since election offices receive all of a riding’s ballots, including mail-in ballots, they typically take more time to count their ballots than polling stations. Security guards were needed overnight to ensure that vote counting happened safely and that no interference occurs once Elections Canada staff left for the night.
We provided overnight security services to the Vancouver Granville and Etobicoke North Elections Canada Offices.
Mobile Security Guards at Elections
Mobile security guards travelled between multiple polling stations across districts. These guards provided flexible support and were available to fill in or provide backup for on-site security guards as needed.
During their patrols, Blackbird Security's mobile election security guards monitored for indicators of vandalism, unauthorized entry, loitering, and suspicious activities. In the event of a triggered alarm at a voting site, our 24/7 Control Centre team was prepared to promptly dispatch the nearest mobile guard to swiftly respond and provide assistance.
Combining on-site security with mobile patrols provided consistent coverage and rapid response, ensuring no polling site was under-protected.
Partner With Canada’s Most Trusted Security Provider
Voting is essential for our community to bring about change, which is why providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming process was critical for our team. Our security personnel maintained a professional and approachable presence at each location so voters could feel confident and safe while exercising their democratic rights.
We’re proud to have supported the 2025 Canadian Federal Election and fostered a secure voting environment for all, and we thank Elections Canada for the opportunity!
Elections are just one area we cover for governments and municipalities. Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how our services protect institutions across Canada.
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