Last-minute guide to voting in the Toronto election

Municipal elections are being held across Ontario on Monday, including in Toronto. Here’s what you need to know to cast your ballot.

Important times/dates

Election day in Toronto is on Monday, Oct. 27. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As long as you are in the building at your polling station by 8 p.m. you are still able to vote, even if there is a line-up.

GlobalNews.ca will have complete coverage of the election, with a live blog running throughout the day, special coverage streamed online starting at 7:30 p.m. and live, real-time election results starting once polls close at 8 p.m.

How do I vote?

Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old and a resident of Toronto can vote in the municipal election. If you’re not a resident you can still vote if you or your spouse owns or rents property in Toronto.

The first step is to check if you are on the voters’ list here or by calling (416) 338-1111. If you are not on the voters’ list, you can still vote. You can add your name to the voters’ list when you go to vote on Monday.

Next, find out where to vote.

Where do I vote?

Find out where you can vote in the Toronto election by searching your home address here.

There are also a number of Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) locations across the city, which enable individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities to vote independently. Check for the VAT location in your ward here. The VATs are equipped with audio functions and Braille key pads, as well as zoom and contrast controls for those with limited vision.

If you are unable to vote in person you can appoint a proxy to vote for you. In order to do this, you must obtain a “Voting Proxy Appointment” form from the a city clerk’s office (list here) before 4:30 p.m. on election day or by emailing elections@toronto.ca. Keep in mind that if appointing a proxy, the person voting on your behalf must bring the completed form along with identification for both the voter (photocopies are okay) and the person appointed to vote for them (must be original copies of ID). The person voting for you must vote in the location you are designated to vote in.

The city also offers curbside voting and ballot transfers. Those who required Wheel-Trans for transportation should book a trip early, as demand might be high on election day. Candidates in your ward may also offer transportation for those in need.

For more details on special assistance on voting day, visit the city’s website.

What ID do I need?

In order to vote you must bring the proper identification with you. Voters must bring one piece of ID that shows their name and address. Acceptable ID includes an Ontario driver’s licence, Ontario health card (that has your photo on it), an Ontario photo card, mortgage statement or lease agreement, and more. For the full list of acceptable pieces of ID, click here.

If you’ve received a voter information card in the mail, bring it with you to your polling station. The card contains specific information about where you should vote and helps speed up the process at the polling stations. But note that voter information cards can’t be used as your piece of ID.

If you did not receive a voter information card, you can still vote. Just make sure you bring proper ID. If you don’t have acceptable ID, you can still vote if your name is on the voters’ list – you’ll have to sign a “declaration of identity” in order to vote.

Who do I vote for?

That’s for you to decide. There’s still time to brush up on the platforms of the mayoral candidates and the councillor and trustee candidates running in your ward. Find out who’s running in your ward here. 

Election results

On Monday Oct. 27, Global News will have live, real-time election results for the mayoral and councillor races once the polls close at 8 p.m.

Global News has live election results in the Toronto and Mississauga mayoral and councillor races, as well as election results for the mayoral races in Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Markham, Niagara Falls, Oshawa, Ottawa and Vaughan. Click here for more. 

Happy voting!