City of Ottawa makes it easier for eligible students to vote in the upcoming elections

Image: Bhoomi Dahiya/The Fulcrum

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Heading back to your hometown for reading week? You can still vote!

Ottawa’s municipal election is coming up on Oct. 26, but you don’t have to wait until then to cast your ballot! The mayoral, city councillor, and school board trustee elections will all take place that same day, and you only need to register once to vote in all three. 

The city is taking a step towards increasing civic engagement, offering a special advance voting period from Oct 1-4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. People can vote at any of the designated voting locations across the city instead of their specific polling location. Just a 10-minute walk from campus, U of O students can cast their vote at City Hall between lectures. 

There will be an additional advance voting day on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m to 8 p.m, so don’t fret if Panda game or studying for midterms keeps you from voting this weekend. On the additional advance voting day voters can go to the polling location assigned to them based on their qualifying address to cast their ballot.

To vote in this municipal election, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and be a tenant or a resident in the city of Ottawa. If you live in Ottawa during the school year, but maintain permanent residence in another city, you can vote in both municipalities. So be sure to vote early if you’re heading back to your hometown for reading week! 

While photo ID is not required, you will need identification showing your name and a document with your qualifying Ottawa address, this could be a lease or a utility bill.

If you want to ensure you’re registered to vote, you can check your information online through the City of Ottawa’s voters’ list tool.

If you didn’t have a chance to register online, all eligible voters can still add or update their information at a polling location on voting days. 

The city has also made  accessibility accommodations available at the polling locations with large print ballots, magnifying sheets, and bilingual sign language interpreters. If you require any assistance, there is access to a cell phone with Ottawa Elections’ call centre staff on standby.

Still unsure about who you want to vote for? Check out our news section for more information regarding the mayoral candidates and their positions on things that matter to you. If you want to see the candidates in action, you can tune in to Rogers TV on YouTube for the full video broadcasts.

Mark your calendars! On Oct. 14 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m the upcoming city councillor debate for wards 12 and 14 will take place at U of O’s UCU Agora, co-hosted by the Fulcrum, La Rotonde, UoUrbanism, and UOSU. Those hoping to tune in online can catch the livestream on CKCU FM’s YouTube channel.

Series Navigation<< Student concerns take the spotlight at Carleton debate

Related