Toronto Voter Turnout Hits Decade High Amid Competitive Mayoral Race

Toronto saw its highest voter turnout in more than a decade during the 2026 municipal election, according to reporting from Global News Toronto. Data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario indicates that 46% of eligible voters in Toronto cast ballots, while the provincial average sat at approximately 36%.

Official results certified by Toronto City Clerk John D. Elvidge confirm that 989,990 ballots were cast in the city. Olivia Chow won the mayoral seat with 532,201 certified votes, defeating Brad Bradford, who received 404,013 votes.

Political scientists cited several factors for the surge. Cristine de Clercy, a political scientist at Trent University, attributed the spike to the close contest between Chow and Bradford, as well as tight council races, which motivated voters who may have otherwise abstained if a landslide victory seemed certain. De Clercy also noted the influence of community organizations.

Myer Siemiatycki, a professor emeritus at Toronto Metropolitan University, argued that Toronto's higher turnout compared to other municipalities—such as Mississauga (34%) and London (31%)—stems from a stronger political culture of participation in central cities. Siemiatycki also pointed to a diverse media ecosystem and specific local issues, including traffic gridlock, school nutrition programs, and bike lanes, as drivers. He further credited Chow's dedicated volunteer base for increasing turnout through door-knocking and canvassing.

In contrast, Cameron D. Anderson of the University of Western Ontario noted that participation in London was dampened by a lack of tough opposition for incumbent Josh Morgan, who won with over 45% of the vote.