The Winnipeg election is underway Wednesday, with residents voting for mayor, city councillors and school trustees in the 2026 municipal and school boards election.
Polling locations across the city are scheduled to remain open until 8 p.m. Central time, after which the City of Winnipeg says live results will begin appearing as votes are received and counted.
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What is on the ballot
Winnipeg voters are choosing one mayor to represent the city at large and one councillor in each of the city’s 15 wards.
School trustee races are also being held for six school divisions serving Winnipeg, including Louis Riel, Pembina Trails, River East Transcona, St. James-Assiniboia, Seven Oaks and Winnipeg school divisions.
The city listed 12 candidates for mayor, 54 candidates for councillor and more than 90 candidates for school trustee ahead of election day.
Incumbent Mayor Scott Gillingham is seeking another term against 11 challengers, according to the city’s election information.
When Winnipeg election results are expected
The city has said election results will be posted online shortly after polls close at 8 p.m. local time.
Results will be updated as information arrives from voting locations, meaning some races may be called earlier than others.
School trustee results in some areas could take longer because four school division wards extend beyond Winnipeg’s municipal boundaries and ballots from neighbouring municipalities will be counted by hand.
The city cautioned that winners in those school trustee contests may not be declared until Thursday, October 29.
Who was eligible to vote
To vote for mayor or councillor, a person must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on October 28, 2026, and have been an actual resident or property owner in Winnipeg since April 28, 2026.
School trustee voters must meet the same general requirements and be an actual resident in the relevant school division ward on election day.
The city reported that 50,767 eligible voters cast ballots during the advance voting period before election day.
Voting locations and identification
There are 184 voting locations operating on election day.
Voters can use the city’s online voting-location search to confirm where they are assigned to vote.
Anyone still waiting in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot, provided they joined the line before polls closed.
Voters should bring their voter information notice if they received one, along with identification showing their name and current address.
The city accepts either one government-issued piece of photo identification showing the voter’s name and address or two authorized pieces of identification that together establish those details.
What happens next
The first results are expected after the voting locations close, with the mayoral race and city council contests likely to draw the earliest attention.
The final outcome will determine Winnipeg’s municipal leadership and the composition of council for the next four-year term.
The election is being held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, under the city’s four-year municipal election cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Winnipeg election polls close?
Polling locations are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Anyone already in line at closing time can still vote.
Who is being elected in the Winnipeg election?
Voters are choosing a mayor, councillors in all 15 city wards and school trustees for six school divisions.
When will Winnipeg election results be released?
The City of Winnipeg says live results will become available shortly after polls close and will be updated as results are received.
How many candidates are running for Winnipeg mayor?
There are 12 candidates on the mayoral ballot, including incumbent Scott Gillingham.
What identification is needed to vote in Winnipeg?
Voters need one government-issued photo ID showing their name and current address, or two authorized pieces of identification that together provide that information.
Fact-Checked: Key election dates, offices, candidate totals, voting requirements and results timing were checked against City of Winnipeg election information.
Disclaimer: Results remain unofficial until formally confirmed by the appropriate election authorities.