Heads up, Osgoode!
The provincial snap election will be taking place on 27 February 2025. Ontario’s 2022 provincial election had a staggeringly low 44% voter turnout. Will you be the 44% or the 56% this year?
Even though this is technically a general election according to the Ontario Election Act, a “snap” election happens when an election is called earlier than a four-year period. There are many ways to vote, including by mail, at your local election office, at an advance voting location, or on election day. You MUST bring your ID if you are going to vote in person.
Please note that all times are according to Eastern Time.
ELECTION DAY
You can vote at your assigned voting location on election day (27 February) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please be advised that the voting location information will be available after 14 February 2025.
VOTING AHEAD
You can apply to vote by mail before 21 February at 6 p.m. to receive your voting kit in the mail. It must be received by Elections Ontario no later than 6 p.m. on 27 February, or it will not be counted.
You can also vote in person at your local election office from 30 January to 26 February at 6 p.m. You MUST bring your ID.
You can vote at any advance voting location in your district from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between 20-22 February. You MUST bring your ID.
ACCESSIBILITY
Unlike a general election, snap elections are done in a limited amount of time. For example, since voting location information will be available after 14 February 2025, this may not be enough time for persons with disabilities (“PwD”) or people who need to arrange accommodations ahead of time. The information in this article is not exhaustive.
Will the polling place be accessible?
Per the Election Act, Elections Ontario is required to ensure that each polling place is accessible to PwD.
You can use assistive voting technology at your local election office and at advanced voting locations. You are allowed to bring a service animal or a support person with you. If you are using assistive voting technology on election day, you can contact your local election office to make an appointment. Please visit Elections Ontario’s website to learn more about accessible voting.
What if I cannot commute to a voting location?
You can request to vote by home visit if you are unable to physically attend a voting location or require assistance to vote. Please note that if you choose this option, you MUST contact your local election office by 26 February at 6 p.m.
If you are hospitalized, you can still vote while in hospital as long as the hospital is participating in the Hospital Program on 17, 18, or 19 February. There are other ways to vote if you are in the hospital outside of these dates.
What if the accessible voting location is not accessible “enough”?
You can always request a transfer to a more accessible voting location. You would have to contact your local election office prior to election day to request to be transferred to a voting location that is more accessible to you.
For more information, please visit the Elections Ontario’s website. Every vote counts!