The Ottawa election is taking place Monday, October 26, with voting places open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the 2026 municipal election.
Eligible voters are choosing a mayor, one city councillor for their ward and, where applicable, a school board trustee.
The election will determine Ottawa’s 2026-to-2030 municipal government.
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Ottawa voting places are open until 8 p.m.
Voters must attend their assigned voting place on Voting Day.
The location can be found on a Voter Notification Letter or through the City of Ottawa’s “Where do I vote?” tool.
The City says voting places are open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., although locations in some retirement homes and institutions may have reduced hours, according to the election key dates.
Voters who did not receive a notification letter can still vote if they are eligible.
They can check their voting location online, contact 311 or call the Elections Office at 613-580-2660.
What Ottawa voters need to bring
All electors must present identification showing their name and qualifying Ottawa address before receiving a ballot.
Photo identification is not required.
Accepted documents include an Ontario driver’s licence, Ontario Photo Card, lease or rental agreement, utility bill, bank statement, property tax assessment, income tax assessment notice or another government-issued document showing the required information.
A Voter Notification Letter can help election workers locate a voter’s information, but it cannot be used as identification.
A Canadian passport is also not accepted for this purpose.
Anyone who cannot present acceptable proof of identity and address can make a statutory declaration before receiving a ballot, according to the City.
Who can vote in the Ottawa election
To vote for mayor or city councillor, a person must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old, live in Ottawa or own or rent land there, or be the spouse of someone who does, and not be prohibited from voting by law.
School board voting depends on the elector’s school-support designation and eligibility rules.
The ballot may include a trustee race only when the voter qualifies for that school board election.
Voters can update or add their information to the Voters’ List at their voting place on Voting Day.
Applications must be received by the close of voting at 8 p.m. on October 26.
Mayoral candidates include Neil Saravanamuttoo
The certified mayoral ballot includes Neil Saravanamuttoo, along with Jeff Leiper, Alex Lawson, Mark Sutcliffe, Zed Chebib, Peter Westaway, Suraj Harish, Queen Divine Priya Amber Bakshi, Bernard Couchman, Ali Shayvard, Jacob Solomon, Amjad Ali Syed, Josh Rachlis and Geoff Nicholas.
The City’s candidate lookup tool allows voters to enter their address and see the mayoral, ward councillor and school board candidates appearing on their ballot.
When Ottawa election results are expected
Polls close at 8 p.m. Ottawa time.
The City says unofficial results will be posted after voting closes and election workers complete their closing procedures.
The unofficial results page is expected to be updated frequently, with all unofficial results anticipated within about two and a half hours of the close of voting.
The City Clerk will declare the official results as soon as possible after Voting Day.
Successful candidates will serve during the 2026-to-2030 term, which runs from November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I vote in the Ottawa election?
On October 26, voters must attend their assigned voting place. Use the City of Ottawa’s “Where do I vote?” tool or check your Voter Notification Letter.
What time do Ottawa polls close?
Voting places are scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 26, although some institutional locations may have reduced hours.
What identification do I need to vote in Ottawa?
Bring identification showing your name and Ottawa address. Photo identification is not required, and examples include a driver’s licence, lease, utility bill or bank statement.
Can I vote if I did not receive a Voter Notification Letter?
Yes. Eligible voters can still vote, verify their location online or contact 311 or the Ottawa Elections Office for assistance.
When will Ottawa election results be available?
Unofficial results will be posted after polls close at 8 p.m. and are expected to be released progressively, with all unofficial results anticipated within about two and a half hours.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, voting hours, eligibility rules, identification requirements, candidate information and results procedures were checked against official City of Ottawa election information.
Disclaimer: Voting-place hours and procedures can vary at certain retirement homes or institutions, so voters should confirm details with the City of Ottawa before travelling.