Ottawa voters are entering the final eight days before the 2026 municipal election, with Voting Day set for Monday, October 26.
Eligible electors will choose a mayor, a city councillor and, where applicable, a school board trustee.
The city’s advance voting opportunities have already taken place, including special advance voting from October 1 to October 4 and the regular advance voting day on October 16.
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When and where Ottawa residents can vote
Voting Day polling places will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 26.
Most electors must vote at their assigned voting place rather than at any location across the city.
Voters can find their assigned location through the city’s “Where do I vote?” tool, on their Voter Notification Letter or by contacting the Elections Office or 311.
Voting places in retirement homes and other institutions may operate with reduced hours.
A Voter Notification Letter is helpful but is not required to cast a ballot.
Who can vote in the Ottawa election
To vote for mayor or city councillor, a person must be a resident of Ottawa, an owner or tenant of land in the city, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant.
The elector must also be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and not prohibited from voting under the law.
School board trustee voting has additional supporter and residency rules that depend on the applicable school board.
Students may be eligible to vote in both their permanent home municipality and the municipality where they temporarily live to attend school, provided they meet the rules for each location.
What identification voters need
Every elector must present identification showing their name and address before receiving a ballot.
Photo identification is not required.
Accepted documents include an Ontario driver’s licence, an Ontario health card photo card, an Ontario Photo Card, a vehicle permit, a cancelled personalized cheque, a lease or rental agreement, an insurance statement, a mortgage statement or another document issued by the federal, provincial or municipal government.
Anyone who cannot show acceptable proof of identity and address must make a statutory declaration before receiving a ballot.
What happens if a voter is not on the list
The city’s regular revision period for the Voters’ List closed on September 20.
However, eligible electors can still add or update their information at a voting place on Voting Day.
The required application form will be available at voting locations, and the city says changes can be submitted until polls close at 8 p.m. on October 26.
Voters should bring identification even if they did not receive a notification letter.
How to check the candidates
The candidate nomination period ended on August 21, and the city has published tools to help electors identify the candidates appearing on their ballots.
By entering an address into the “Who is running in my ward?” tool, voters can see the certified candidates for mayor, city councillor and school board trustee for their area.
The tool can also help confirm a voter’s ward and school board zone.
Ottawa’s 2026 municipal election will determine one mayor, one councillor in each ward and trustees for the city’s four publicly funded school boards.
Other voting options
The deadline to apply for a special mail-in ballot has passed, and completed special mail-in ballots had to be received by 8 p.m. on October 16 to be counted.
Eligible electors who cannot vote in person may still appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf until 4:30 p.m. on October 26.
The proxy must be an eligible elector in Ottawa and must have the appointment certified by city staff before voting.
For most voters, the remaining option is to attend their assigned voting place on October 26 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Residents who are uncertain about their eligibility, voting location or identification can contact the Ottawa Elections Office before Voting Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ottawa’s 2026 municipal election?
Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026, with polling places generally open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who can vote in Ottawa’s municipal election?
Eligible voters must generally be Canadian citizens aged 18 or older who live in Ottawa, own or rent land there, or are the spouse of an owner or tenant.
Do I need my Voter Notification Letter to vote?
No. The letter is useful for finding your assigned voting place, but it is not required to cast a ballot.
What identification is accepted at an Ottawa voting place?
Voters need identification showing their name and address, such as an Ontario driver’s licence, lease, mortgage statement, cancelled personalized cheque or government document.
Can I still vote by proxy in Ottawa?
Eligible electors can appoint a proxy until 4:30 p.m. on October 26, provided the required appointment is certified by city staff.
Fact-Checked: Key election dates, voting procedures, eligibility rules and identification requirements were checked against official City of Ottawa election information. As of Sunday, October 18, 2026, Voting Day on Monday, October 26, 2026 is eight calendar days away.
Disclaimer: Election procedures can change, so voters should confirm their assigned location and any final instructions with the City of Ottawa before Voting Day.