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Toronto votes October 26th, have your say 

September 8, 2026

Vote sign on door pointing to voting booths in background
(image source: Toronto Election website)

The election is October 26th. Are you ready to vote? 

In this article we’re going to give you what you need to get ready to vote. If you can’t vote, we have suggestions for things you can do to participate and have your say as well. 

Your starting point is the City of Toronto election information site. This is a helpful source of election information. You’ll hear a lot of things leading up to the election. If you’re not sure about where, how, when, and if you should vote, the city’s website has what you need.  

You can always call 311 or the direct Toronto Elections number, 416-338-1111, if you need information. 311 is a number you can call for information in more than 180 languages about City of Toronto services, programs and more. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Should you vote? 
Voting is a form of civic engagement. By voting in the municipal election, you strengthen the democratic system. By voting for a government that aligns with your values, you have an opportunity to impact the city’s future. Your vote can affect priorities, policies and decisions around city services like:  

  • Roads, parking, and transportation 
  • Transit 
  • Libraries 
  • Parks and recreation 
  • Water and garbage 
  • Snow removal 
  • Public health 
  • Economic development and employment 
  • Festivals, history, and culture 
  • Grants and community support 
  • And more 

Can your one vote can make a difference? 

In the last election, voter turnout was 29.7%. That’s very low. By voting, you make sure your voice is included in local democracy and decision-making. Often, low voter turnout means certain groups are underrepresented. There’s inequality to which voices get heard. The power goes to the people who voted. 

Map with 2022 Toronto election voter turnout percentage in each ward


Every single vote matters. In one 2022 city councillor election, the difference between winning the election and losing was only 94 votes.  

Table with election results, showing close result


As you can see, your vote can make a big difference. 

Know your candidates 

On October 26th, you’ll be voting for our new mayor, as well as your new city councillor and school trustee. You have 53 choices for mayor (!) this year. Find out who is running to see how many people are running to be your councillor and trustee. If you’re not sure which ward you live in, you can search for it here. 

Many candidates include email addresses, website and social media links, where they share information about why they are running, their positions on various topics, and what they have done before running. Spend some time getting to know the candidates and what they stand for. If there are town hall meetings, try to attend them. If a candidate knocks on your door, talk to them. Find out who you want to represent your interests. 

Publication, The Local, has created a debate tracker page, where you can find mayoral and ward-level debate dates across Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton—all in one place.

Who can vote 

To be eligible to vote in Toronto’s 2026 municipal election, you must be: 

  • a Canadian citizen; and 
  • at least 18 years old; and 
  • a resident in the city of Toronto; or 
  • a non-resident of Toronto, but you or your spouse own or rent property in Toronto; and 
  • not prohibited from voting under any law. 

Eligible voters experiencing homelessness can still vote even if they do not have a permanent address. 

How to vote 

There are many ways you can vote: in person, mail-in voting, curbside voting, appointing someone else to vote on your behalf, and more. 

In person voting 

In person voting takes place across the city on October 26, 2026. 

Know what identification to bring  

You do not need a Voter Information Card to vote, but if you received one in the mail, you can bring it. It is not considered a form of identification (ID). Photo ID is not required, but you do need to show one acceptable document showing your name and Toronto address.  

Know where to go 

The city has information about what to bring with you when you vote and what happens when you go to vote. 

Mail-in voting 

Mail-in voting has strict deadlines. You must request a mail-in voting package by September 24 at 4:30 p.m. Toronto Elections must receive your completed mail-in voting package by Wednesday, October 14 at 12 p.m. (noon). Note: they must receive it by October 14th, not you must send it by then. Plan accordingly. 

Advance voting 

Advance Voting Days are between Tuesday, October 6 to Sunday, October 11, 2026. Use the city’s MyVote service to find out where you can vote in advance. 

Are you on the Voters’ List? 

If you’ve voted before, you are likely already on the voters’ list. You can find out on the MyVote service.  

You can use the city’s MyVote service up until 7 p.m. on October 11th to confirm, add or update your information on the voters’ list. After October 11th, you can add yourself to the voters’ list when you vote in person on election day (October 26th). 

Do you need language help? 

When you vote, you can ask for help from an interpreter at the voting place. 

What if you can’t vote? 

You can still: 

  • get involved 
  • be heard 
  • make a difference in public life 
  • make your community better 

There are many ways you can get involved during an election, whether or not you’re able to vote. You can volunteer on a campaign, help inform your community or neighbours about the election (and why they should vote), or contact a councillor or mayoral candidate about issues important to you. Even if you can’t vote, your voice matters! 

List of different ways to get involved with your community

(image from CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FOR IMMIGRANTS – City of London) 

If you have kids, participate in Kids Vote Weekend: Children and youth under 18 can take part in a hands-on voting experience on October 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They’ll vote for Toronto’s 2027 Tree of the Year!  

You can also apply to work during the election. Toronto Elections is currently recruiting thousands of people for paid election positions. You need to be legally entitled to work in Canada and 18 years of age on or before October 26. 

What matters to you? 

What are your key values and concerns? Before you vote, you can find out where a candidate stands on issues like affordable housing, transit, safety, parks, and more. 

Sites like the ones below have information about the election, including various issues, ideas, and questions that you can ask: 

Be sure to verify any voting information through the official City of Toronto Elections website.  

 To help you think about what issues matter most to you, Toronto Elections has a page outlining topics that shape our city, like: 

What are some questions you can ask a candidate to see where they stand on the issues that matter to you?  

Many people don’t think their voices are heard. Voting on October 26th is one way to make sure you let our city politicians know what matters to you. Be informed, ask questions, and build a meaningful future for yourself, your community, and your city.