How To: Vote in Toronto Municipal Elections

by Apathy is Boring — October 6, 2010


Fellow Torontonians - duty is calling. There's a municipal election on October 25th. This is your chance to make your voice heard. Is it your first time? Don't be nervous. Just follow this step-by-step guide and cast your ballot like a pro.

Also, you can get more information and updates from the City of Toronto's election website:

Can I vote in the 2010 Toronto municipal election?
What if I’m not on the voters list?

 

 

 Can I vote in the 2010 Toronto municipal election?

In order to vote in the municipal election, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen;
  • be at least 18 years old by Election Day (October 25);
  • reside in Toronto, own or rent land there, or be the spouse of such an owner or tenant;
  • be on the official voters list.

 

What if I’m not on the voters list?

If you moved recently or are eligible to vote first time, you may not be on the voters list. But don’t worry - getting on the list is quick and easy. You can call 311 to check if your name is on the voters list, and there are three ways to get your name added to it:
 
  • Mail in an application. The Voters List Change Request form can be used to add your name to the list or to update your information. You can download the form here or get one mailed to you. Once you fill the form out, mail it back along with a photocopy of your identification to the Toronto Elections Office, 89 Northline Road, Toronto, ON, M4B 3G1. The Clerk needs to receive your form by October 15 to ensure your name appears on the Election Day voters' list.
  • Visit any City Clerk's Office in person with your ID.
  • Register when you go to vote. Show up to your voting place with your ID and you can be added to the voters list at your polling station

 


What do I need to bring with me?

You will need ID that proves your name, signature, and current Toronto address to vote. You can do that in one of two ways:

  • The first is having a single piece of ID showing all three items.
  • The second way is having two pieces of ID: one with your name and signature, and the other with your name and Toronto address.

You can find the full list of acceptable pieces of ID here. Basically, any government ID and most official mail is ok.

 

Where is my polling station? And when is it open?

You should receive a card by mail that gives you the address of your advance polling station as well as your polling station for election day. You can also find the address of your polling station here or by calling 311.

Polling stations are open from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day (Monday, October 25).

If you work, you must have three consecutive hours off while the polls are open (between 10 am and 8 pm on Election Day). Your employer only has to give you enough time off to give you three clear hours while the polls are open. If the polling station is open three hours before or after you work, they are not required to give you additional time off. Employees scheduled to work must be paid for the time off for voting.

 


What if I can't make it to a polling station on voting day?

If you can't make it to the polls on election day, there are several other ways to cast your ballot. You can vote during the advance polling period before the election. Voting at an advance poll is just like voting at on election day - you just get to cast your ballot earlier. Advance polls are open October 5-8, 12, 13, 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to find the advance polling location nearest you.

If you can’t make it out on either election day or the advance polling days, you can appoint a proxy voter to cast a ballot for you. Your proxy has to be an eligible elector in the city where you plan to vote. You can only appoint one proxy. Also, you can only serve as a proxy for one person, unless the person you're voting for is an immediate family member (sibling, spouse, parent, or grandparent).

Your proxy voter needs to be certified before they can vote for you. First you need to get a proxy certificate from the City Clerk's office and fill it out. Click here for City Clerk contact information. Next, your proxy has to take the certificate, along with your ID (or a photocopy) and their ID, to the City Clerk's office. The clerk's office accepts applications during regular weekday hours from Monday, September 14, until Monday, October 25 (Election Day). Proxy applications are also accepted from 12 pm to 5 pm on advance polling weekends.

 

Can I vote if I'm Homeless?


If you're homeless or don't have a permanent address, you can still vote. The district you vote in will be the place where you most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks before the election. (If you went to different places to sleep and eat, the place where you sleep takes priority.)

What if I need additional help getting to a polling station and voting?

Just click here to learn more about the services offered by the City of Toronto to voters with accessibility issues.

If you need any more information about the election or how to vote, check out the Toronto 2010 Election website.

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