Ontario’s provincial election on Feb. 27 is quickly approaching, and first-time voters are gearing up to cast their ballots. With multiple ways to vote, Elections Ontario has simplified the process, making it easier for everyone, especially those new to the voting system.
Voters can choose from three methods: voting by mail, voting at an advance location or voting on Election Day. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is 6 p.m. on Feb. 21—but once you apply, you must vote by mail and cannot switch to in-person voting. For those who can’t make it on Election Day, advance voting begins Feb. 14.
“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” – Sharon Salzberg
To find the nearest advance voting locations, voters can use the Voter Information Service on the Elections Ontario website by entering their postal code or electoral district. Those voting on Feb. 27 will receive a voter information card after confirming or updating their registration by Feb. 17, which will list their assigned polling station.
It’s important to update your registration before the deadline to ensure you receive your voter information card on time. You can confirm or update your details on the Elections Ontario website, which also provides information on acceptable ID to vote, as well as a complete list of candidates running in your area. For those who need assistance, Elections Ontario offers accessible voting tools and services.
To understand the experience of first-time voters, Maya Sidoti shared her perspective. “I’ve never voted, and I’m not 100 per cent sure how everything works yet. But I definitely want to vote in the future. I’ve been reading about it, and the Elections Ontario website seems helpful, so I’m looking forward to learning more.”
Meanwhile, Spencer Garry, who first voted in 2015, reflected on his experience. “I had just turned 18 and was really excited to vote. I registered online ahead of time with my name and address, which was simple enough. On Election Day, I used the website to find my nearest voting location, showed up, had my ID checked and cast my vote. It was a great feeling, knowing I was part of the process.”
As Election Day approaches, Elections Ontario continues to streamline the voting experience with resources like the Elections Ontario app, which provides personalized voting information at all times. For more information, visit www.elections.on.ca.