Toronto election advance polls: How you can cast your ballot

Candidates in the municipal election are doing their best to gain attention but with very little voter interest as balloting begins. Mark McAllister reports.

By Patricia D'Cunha

Posted October 3, 2022 10:53 am.

Last Updated October 11, 2022 9:42 am.

With the Toronto municipal election around the corner, voters can start to have their say at the ballot box during advance polling.

One of the changes for this year is three additional days of advance voting. Torontonians can vote in advance October 7-14, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on each day.

Election day is on Monday, Oct. 24. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Toronto will begin posting results for all ballots, including mail-in ballots, after 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.

CityNews has full coverage of the Toronto election campaign online and across its broadcast platforms.

What you need to know for advance voting in the 2022 Toronto Election, accessibility supports, what’s new this election year, and other voter resources:

Where to vote

Eligible voters should receive a Voter Information Card in the mail, which outlines their advance voting locations.
The City says voters should check MyVote before heading to the polling station to make their voting locations haven’t been changed.

What to bring to polling station

Voters should bring one piece of identification showing their name and address in the City of Toronto, such as a driver’s licence or hydro bill. Click here for acceptable identification.

The City says it is not mandatory to bring your Voter Information Card when coming to vote but it leads to a quicker voting experience.

If you don’t have a Voter Information Card

If you are on the voters’ list, starting October 3 you can use MyVote to download a digital copy of your Voter Information Card to your smartphone or print one, and show that at the polling station along with acceptable ID. You can locate your advance voting location by using the online tool.

You can also request to have one emailed or mailed to you by emailing elections@toronto.ca or calling 311.

How to add your name to the voters’ list

Currently, eligible voters are still able to add their name to the voters’ list by calling 311 or emailing VoterRegistration@toronto.ca until October 14 at 4:30 p.m. After this time, they can also add their name to the list at their voting location during advance voting or on election day. They just need to bring acceptable ID that shows their name and address of residence in Toronto. Click here for acceptable identification.

Click here for more information on Voter Information Cards and getting on the voters’ list.

What is MyVote?

The online tool allows voters to locate their advance and election day polling stations, find accessibility information about the voting locations, print, download or view their Voter Information Card, get information on their ward and the candidates running, and track the progress of their mail-in voting package, if they applied and got approved for one.

What’s new for voting in 2022

The biggest change for Toronto voters this year is the option to vote by mail. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot was Sept. 23. Registered residents can put their ballot in a pre-paid envelope and drop it off at any Canada Post mailbox, or inserted into one of 25 secured Toronto elections drop boxes. The ballot packages must be returned to Toronto Elections by noon on October 21.

Aside from three additional days of advance voting, polling stations will also be open over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Ballot tabulators, which were more than 20 years old, have been replaced in favour of quicker and more secure technology.

Accessibility supports at polling stations

The City says all voting locations will be accessible.

“Toronto Elections staff conduct site visits of all voting locations to confirm each facility meets accessibility guidelines or are modified to make them accessible. There are also staff available to open non-power doors and assist with elevator and lift operations within the sites,” said Erin George, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto.

There is also accessible voting equipment to help voters with disabilities. Voter Assist Terminals, featuring a touch screen, audio, braille keypad, zoom functionality, and more, will be available at each advance voting location and two locations in each ward on election day.

For those unable to enter a polling location, the City of Toronto offers curbside voting. A friend or someone who provides personal assistance can also help with filling out a ballot so long as they make a declaration.

Click here for more information.

Additional supports to help cast a ballot

If you are unable to vote for any reason in advance polls or on election day, you can appoint a proxy to cast a ballot on your behalf. A Voting Proxy Appointment Form must be completed and certified by the city clerk. Contact Toronto Elections at 416-338-1111 or emailing voterregistration@toronto.ca.

City of Toronto staff have provided election resources in multiple languages to act as a guide for those whose first language isn’t English.

Click here for more information.

COVID-19 public health precautions

“Toronto Elections continues to work closely with Toronto Public Health to follow Provincial requirements and ensure voting places will be safe for everyone this October,” George said.

Although there are no provincial restrictions in place for capacity, distancing or masking, Toronto Elections will be providing voters with access to hand sanitizer and masks at all voting locations.

Voters are also encouraged to avoid lineups by voting during advance polls or on election day during non-peak times (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).