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Today’s the day Ottawa residents will pick their next mayor, city council and school board trustees.
Eligible voters can cast a ballot for their preferred candidates at their assigned voting place from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Long-term care and retirement homes, however, may have reduced hours.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls.
Am I on the voters’ list?
Anyone who’s a resident of Ottawa, a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and not prohibited from voting by law is eligible to vote.
Ottawa’s elections office sent voter notification letters to residents on the voters’ list in late August, as well as revised letters late last month to those who amended their information.
Voters can continue to verify their information on the list by using the city’s online tool until 8 p.m.
The city says residents who didn’t receive a letter should use its “Am I on the Voters’ List” tool on its website, call the elections office at 613-580-2660 or email elections@ottawa.ca to find out if they are on the list.
Those who aren’t on the list can complete an application to add or amend information at their polling station.
Where do I go to vote?
There are 369 voting locations across the city. Residents must vote at their assigned station in the ward where they live.
Electors can find their assigned location using the city’s “Where Do I Vote?” tool or by checking their voter notification letter.
The city says all voting places are fully accessible. Large print ballots, magnifying sheets, accessible vote tabulators, curbside voting and other tools will be available.
Residents who are unable to get to their voting place can appoint a proxy to cast their vote until 6 p.m.
What do I need to bring with me?
All voters will need to present one piece of personal identification with their name and address to receive a ballot at their voting place. Photo identification is not required.
Some acceptable forms of identification are:
An Ontario driver’s licence.An Ontario health card.An Ontario photo card.A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.An insurance policy or insurance statement.An income tax assessment notice.A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).A property tax assessment.A credit card statement or bank account statement.
Voters can visit the city’s website to get a full list of acceptable forms of identification.
Residents who cannot present an acceptable piece of identification will have to make a statutory declaration at their voting place.
The city says it expects a busy day Monday, with early voting for this year’s municipal election up from 2022.
“We do feel ready,” said city clerk Caitlin Salter-MacDonald.
“We have our team at the elections office available throughout the day to answer any questions that folks might have, and our teams [are] out in the voting places ready to serve electors.”
The city will publish the unofficial results on its website after 8 p.m.