On February 27th, Ontario voters will head to the polls a year and a half before scheduled. Although unexpected, this election is just as important as any other and comes at a critical time of political, social and economic change. The outcome of this election will influence policies that directly affect our healthcare, social services, housing, cost of living, and our safety and wellbeing.
In the last Ontario election, voter turn out was at an all time low with approximately 43.5% of eligible voters casting their ballot. Together, we can and we MUST change that!
Whether you are legally eligible to vote or not, everyone deserves a say in this election. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Stay informed and think critically about what you are hearing in the mainstream media. Learn about party platforms and consider how their proposed policies may impact you and your community.
- Advocate for the issues that matter to you. Support and share community led campaigns and initiatives that align with your values.
- Share resources and opportunities to help others engage in the election process.
- VOTE and encourage others who are eligible to do so, too.
The election is just one week away and if you have not already done so, now is the time to make your plan to vote! We have compiled resources from elections.on.ca below so that you can feel ready and prepared to vote on election day – February 27th.
WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE?
Voting provides you with the opportunity to help shape the future of Ontario. The decisions made by the elected government will have profound impacts on all of our lives and as such, ensuring our voices and our needs are heard throughout this election process is vital.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE AN ELIGIBLE VOTER?
To vote in the Ontario provincial election, you must be:
- 18 years of age or older;
- a Canadian citizen; and
- a resident of Ontario.
HOW CAN YOU VOTE?
There are many opportunities to vote, you can:
- Vote by mail
- Apply to vote by mail by 6 PM on February 21.
- Elections Ontario must receive your completed voting kit by 6 PM on February 27.
- Vote at your local election office
- Advanced voting
- Election day
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU TO VOTE?
- your voter information card (VIC)
- one piece of Canadian ID with your name on it
Accepted pieces of ID include a Canadian passport, Ontario driver’s licence or Ontario health card. See the full list of accepted ID here.
Note: Photo ID is not required and your ID can be shown on a mobile device.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VOTER INFORMATION CARD? ARE YOU AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Voters who are on the Register should receive a voter information card in the mail between February 17 and 22 with information about when and where to vote. If you did not receive a voter information card, fear not, you can still vote, but your name may not be on the voters list; just bring an accepted piece of ID with both your name and home address with you when you go to vote.
YOU DO NOT HAVE A PERMANENT ADDRESS; WHERE DO YOU VOTE?
For voters without a permanent address, the place where you (the voter) returns to most often to eat or sleep in the past five weeks is considered to be your address.
Shelters, food banks, and community health care facilities can provide eligible voters, who do not have a permanent address, a temporary form of ID to use when they go to vote.
ARE ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE?
Elections Ontario has several accessible voting options, including:
- assistive voting technology
- vote by home visit
- vote by mail
Please note, these options are only available upon request and/or on certain dates and times. Please find full details and deadlines to apply here.
ARE VOTER RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN OTHER LANGUAGES?
Voter information is available in 14 different languages.
HOW CAN YOU VOTE TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE?
Learn more at VoteToEndGBV.com