Advance Voting Opens in Toronto Amid Mayoral Shakeup
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Voters can now cast ballots for mayor, city councillor, and school board trustees as the city navigates a candidate withdrawal.
Advance voting is now underway in Toronto, with polling stations open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 11, according to Global News Toronto and CBC Toronto. Eligible voters are casting ballots for three distinct roles: mayor, city councillor, and school board trustees.
The mayoral race has seen a recent shift, as Global News Toronto reports that former federal cabinet minister Chris Alexander has announced he is dropping out of the race. Because ballots are already finalized, Alexander's name will remain on the ballot; however, Global News Toronto notes that he will not become mayor even if voters select him, and he has not endorsed another candidate.
To participate, voters must be Canadian citizens at least 18 years old and residents of Toronto, or non-residents who own or rent property in the city, CBC Toronto reports. Voters are required to present identification showing their name and Toronto address. CBC Toronto notes that a passport alone is not acceptable ID because it lacks an address, while Global News Toronto adds that voter information cards also cannot be used as identification.
For those unable to attend advance polls or the general election on Oct. 26, the city allows for proxy voting and mail-in ballots, provided the mail-in packages are returned by noon on Oct. 14, per Global News Toronto and CBC Toronto. Voters can use the city's MyVote website or call 311 to confirm their registration and find designated polling locations.