THE PROMISE RECORDTORONTO · CIVIC RESEARCH
2026 voter guide

Toronto: who can vote,
and how?

A practical guide to the 2026 municipal election. Eligibility depends on citizenship, age and a qualifying Toronto connection — not simply being in Ontario.

Election day · Toronto local time
Monday, 26 October

Polls open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (EDT).
This guide is a snapshot checked on 21 October 2026. Confirm your assigned location with Toronto Elections.

Find your voting place in MyVote

Toronto Elections: Voting options and proxy deadlines ↗ Toronto Elections: MyVote: assigned polling place and candidates ↗

Do you qualify?

For the mayor and city councillor, you must meet all the following requirements:

18 or older

You must be at least 18 on election day.

A Canadian citizen

Permanent residence alone does not qualify you.

A Toronto connection

Live in Toronto; or, as a non-resident, own or rent Toronto property; or have a spouse who owns or rents Toronto property.

Not prohibited by law

Legal exclusions apply, including serving a prison sentence and certain election-law convictions. Check the official full list.

Living in another Ontario city does not by itself qualify you to vote in Toronto. You may still qualify through the non-resident property or spouse rules. Vote only once in Toronto, even if you own several properties. If you live in Toronto, vote in your residential ward.

School-board trustee eligibility has additional rules. Students, people without a fixed address and non-resident property owners should consult the official guidance for their circumstances. Toronto Elections: Who can vote in Toronto ↗

How to vote on election day

  1. Find your assigned polling place. Use the City’s MyVote tool for your qualifying address and candidate information.
  2. Bring identification. Generally, one accepted document must show your name and qualifying Toronto address. A photo is not required. A utility bill, bank statement or lease may qualify. A passport alone has no address; a voter information card is not ID. Electronic documents can be accepted, but a photo of a physical ID card is not the same as an electronic document. Check the official list, especially for non-resident/spouse eligibility.
  3. Check in and get your ballot. A voter information card is helpful, but not mandatory. If you are eligible and missing from the list, you can be added at your voting place on election day.
  4. Follow the ballot and staff instructions. Ask staff for assistance or accessibility arrangements if needed. Your choices are yours; this site does not endorse candidates.

Toronto Elections: Identification requirements ↗ Toronto Elections: 2026 municipal election fact sheet ↗

Deadlines: what is still available?

UpcomingClosedClosedClosedStill possible; certification required
As of 21 October 2026
OptionWhenStatus
Election-day voting26 Oct, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Advance voting6–11 Oct, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Mail-in ballot application24 Sep, 4:30 p.m.
Mail-in ballot return14 Oct, noon
Proxy certification26 Oct, 4:30 p.m.

Toronto Elections: Voting options and proxy deadlines ↗ Toronto Elections: Mail-in voting deadlines and alternatives ↗

Cannot attend? Check proxy voting.

An eligible Toronto elector can appoint another eligible elector as a voting proxy, subject to the City’s rules. The form must be completed, signed and certified by the City Clerk before the deadline. On election day, certification is available only at City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Follow the official instructions; an uncertified form is not enough. Toronto Elections: Voting options and proxy deadlines ↗

If a mail-in package was not returned, ask Toronto Elections about cancelling it and voting in person. If you already returned your ballot, do not vote again. Toronto Elections: Mail-in voting deadlines and alternatives ↗

Accessibility & official help

Toronto Elections provides accessible voting options, including assistance and designated locations with voter-assist equipment. Check the arrangement that fits your needs before travelling. Call 416-338-1111 for Toronto Elections, or follow the official links below. No personal information is collected by this guide.

Official guidance controls. This is a plain-language summary, not a determination of your individual eligibility. Deadlines and locations should always be confirmed with Toronto Elections.

Official election sources