The Toronto mayoral election has entered its first voting phase, with advance polls open across the city from Tuesday, October 6, through Sunday, October 11.
The vote is being shaped by a closely watched contest between incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Brad Bradford, while former federal cabinet minister Chris Alexander has ended his campaign without endorsing another candidate.
Advance voting is available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at 50 locations, with two voting places in each of Toronto’s 25 wards.
The official election day is Monday, October 26, when polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. according to the City of Toronto’s election fact sheet.
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Toronto mayoral election reaches decisive voting period
The City of Toronto says approximately 2.14 million people are eligible to vote in the 2026 municipal election.
Voters will choose a mayor, a councillor and, where applicable, a school board trustee.
The city has certified 53 mayoral candidates, along with 190 councillor candidates and 118 school board trustee candidates, according to its certified candidate list.
Although the ballot remains crowded, the mayoral campaign has increasingly centred on Chow and Bradford, the two leading candidates in recent public polling.
A Nanos Research survey conducted from September 30 to October 4 found Chow with 52.4 per cent support and Bradford with 42.6 per cent among the respondents included in its Toronto mayoral tracking.
Chris Alexander registered four per cent in that survey, which was completed before his withdrawal.
Polls are snapshots rather than forecasts, and the result will depend on turnout, candidate preferences among undecided voters and how Alexander’s supporters respond after his departure.
Chris Alexander leaves the campaign
Alexander announced on October 6 that he was stepping aside shortly before advance voting began.
In a statement published by his campaign, Alexander said he had entered the race to put forward proposals on issues including property taxes, affordable housing, transit and homelessness.
He said he was not endorsing another candidate.
Because the formal withdrawal deadline passed on August 21, Alexander’s name may still appear on printed ballots even though he is no longer campaigning.
The City of Toronto lists August 21 at 2 p.m. as the deadline to file, withdraw or change a nomination, as outlined in its key election dates.
His exit came as the campaign moved into its most consequential period, leaving Chow and Bradford to compete for the largest share of attention among voters who are focused on the city’s direction.
What the leading campaigns are emphasizing
Chow’s campaign has highlighted affordability measures, expanded library access, school food programs and TTC affordability as central priorities for a second term, according to her campaign priorities.
Bradford’s campaign has presented his platform around public safety, affordability, municipal services and a more restrained approach to city finances.
His campaign has also promoted a property-tax freeze and a broader fiscal review of Toronto’s budget.
The issues facing voters include housing costs, property taxes, transit, congestion, public safety and the city’s ability to maintain services while managing budget pressures.
A September Forum Research survey found that 78 per cent of respondents believed the cost of living was getting worse, while majorities also expressed concern about housing affordability, crime and safety, traffic congestion and property taxes.
How to vote in Toronto
Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old and either live in Toronto or own or rent property in the city, or are the spouse of someone who does.
Voters may cast a ballot only once and must vote in the ward connected to their qualifying address.
- Advance voting runs from October 6 to October 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Election day is October 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Voters can check their voting location through the City of Toronto’s voting options and services.
- Voters should bring identification showing their name and qualifying Toronto address.
- A voter information card is helpful but is not mandatory and cannot be used as identification.
Voters can add or update their information online until 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 11.
After that deadline, eligible voters can make changes when they attend a voting place on election day, provided they bring acceptable identification.
The city says all voting places will be accessible, with voter-assist terminals available at advance voting locations and other designated sites on election day.
What happens next
The six-day advance-voting period will give campaigns an early indication of participation, but advance ballots will not be counted until election night.
Mail-in ballots must be received by Toronto Elections by noon on Wednesday, October 14.
Unofficial results are expected after voting places close on October 26 and will be posted by the city.
With less than three weeks remaining before election day, the campaigns are now focused on turnout, last-minute persuasion and defining the choice between Chow’s record in office and Bradford’s promise of a different direction for Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Toronto mayoral election?
Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026, with voting places open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
When can Toronto residents vote early?
Advance voting runs from Tuesday, October 6, to Sunday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who are the leading Toronto mayoral candidates?
Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Brad Bradford are the dominant contenders in the campaign, although many candidates remain certified for the mayoral ballot.
Is Chris Alexander still running for Toronto mayor?
No. Alexander ended his campaign on October 6, 2026, and said he was not endorsing another candidate. His name may still appear on ballots because the withdrawal deadline had passed.
What identification is needed to vote in Toronto?
Voters should bring identification showing their name and qualifying Toronto address. A voter information card is useful but is not mandatory and cannot be used as identification.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, voting rules, candidate totals and polling context were checked against City of Toronto, campaign and polling-firm information.
Disclaimer: Election polling can change before voting closes and should not be treated as a prediction of the final result.