Ontario · Voting and democracy
Municipal election in Ontario 2026: how to vote
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
Ontario's municipal council and school board elections are on Monday, October 26, 2026. To vote for council you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and live in the municipality or own or rent property there. Your municipal clerk runs the election, decides where and how you vote and keeps the voters' list. Bring one piece of ID that shows your name and address.
Who handles it
Handled by your municipality: each city, town and rural municipality in Ontario runs its own.
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
To vote for council you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18 or older and qualify to vote in that municipality.
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You qualify where you live. You can also vote in another municipality where you own or rent property, and so can your spouse. The property must be in your own name, not owned by a business or a trust.
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A student who lives away from home to go to school can vote both where they study and in their home municipality.
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Steps
You must be on the voters' list to vote. Since September 1, 2026, changes and additions go through your municipal clerk.
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What you need
Bring one piece of ID that shows your name and address. It does not need a photo.
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A Canadian passport is not accepted as voter ID, because you write the address in it yourself.
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How long it takes
Ontario's municipal council and school board elections take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.
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Where to go
Each municipality's clerk runs its election. Contact the clerk or check your municipality's website to find out how and where to vote.
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Good to know
If you are on the voters' list but have no ID, you can sign a Declaration of Identity at the voting place.
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Some municipalities let you vote by mail or online instead of at a voting place. Ask your clerk what yours offers.
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You are allowed three hours to vote on voting day, so your employer may have to let you leave early or arrive late.
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Questions people ask
When is the 2026 Ontario municipal election?
Voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026, for municipal councils and school boards across Ontario.
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Can I vote in an Ontario municipal election where I own a cottage?
Yes, if you own or rent the property yourself. You can vote there as a non-resident elector and also where you live. If the cottage belongs to your business or a trust, you do not qualify.
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What ID do I need to vote in the Ontario municipal election?
One document with your name and address, such as an Ontario driver's licence, a lease or a utility bill. Photo ID is not needed. A Canadian passport does not count, because you fill in its address yourself.
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How do I check if I am on the voters' list for the Ontario municipal election?
Contact your municipal clerk, who now handles any change or addition to the list. You can apply up to the close of voting on October 26, 2026.
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Can I vote online or by mail in Ontario's municipal election?
It depends on your municipality. Some offer voting by mail or by internet. Your municipal clerk can tell you what is available where you live.
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Can a student vote in two Ontario municipalities?
Yes. A student living away from home for school can vote where they study and in their home municipality, as long as they plan to return home.
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Other provinces and territories
Each province sets its own rules and dates.
- British ColumbiaElection day: 17 October 2026
- SaskatchewanElection day: 9 November 2026 for rural municipalities (even-numbered divisions); 29 July 2028 for resort villages; 8 November 2028 for cities, towns and villages, and for rural reeves and odd-numbered divisions
- ManitobaElection day: 28 October 2026 for most municipalities; Victoria Beach, Dunnottar and Winnipeg Beach voted 24 July 2026
- Ontario (this page)Election day: 26 October 2026
- New BrunswickLast held 11 May 2026
- Prince Edward IslandElection day: 2 November 2026
- NunavutElection day: 25 October 2027
Your city or town
Each municipality runs its own, with its own rules and website. Start from your city's page:
Cite this page
Canada Service Map, "Municipal election in Ontario 2026: how to vote", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/vote-municipal/ontario