Municipal voting starts today: Here’s what you need to know

The first day of October not only brings the month of Halloween to Ottawa, but also the start of voting for the municipal election.

Special Advance Voting

The City of Ottawa is holding Special Advance Voting Days from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. at 10 locations across the city. Early voters can cast their ballots for mayor, city councillor and school board trustee.

The Special Advance Voting offers “anywhere voting” with no restrictions on where an individual needs to vote, allowing residents to vote at the location of their choosing rather than a location specific to their place of residence.

The 10 locations are:

CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Rd.

Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Rd.

City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W.

François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Blvd.

Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr.

Diane Deans Greenboro Community Centre, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr.

Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven, 3500 Cambrian Rd.

Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.

Richcraft Recreation Complex – Kanata, 4101 Innovation Dr.

St-Laurent Complex, 525 Côté St.

Voters can cast a ballot at any of the Special Advance Voting stations until Sunday, Oct. 4.

Advance Voting Day and Election Day

Advance voting will take place on Friday, Oct. 16 with Election Day on Monday, Oct. 26. Both days will see polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents who vote on either Oct. 16 or Oct. 26 are required to vote at their assigned voting station.

What do you need to vote?

Electors are required to show a piece of identification at the polling station to receive a ballot. The piece of identification must show their name and qualifying address.

Voters must be 18 years or older and a Canadian citizen.

A list of accepted identification can be found under the heading “Voter identification” at ottawa.ca. Voters are encouraged to bring their letter of voter notification to the polling station, but it is not required.

Electors who wish to amend their information on the official Voters’ List can do so at any polling station.

Some students can vote twice

Ontario legislation allows students who study away from their permanent place of residence to vote in both their “home” municipality and the municipality where they attend school.

Election results

Official election results will be declared as soon as possible after polls close, with unofficial results available after voting closes at 8 p.m. on Voting Day. Residents can follow results at ottawa.ca/vote.

Elected candidates will serve on the 2026-2030 term of council, from Nov. 15, 2026, to Nov. 14, 2030.