Here’s what Ottawa voters need to know to cast a ballot in today’s Ontario election

An Elections Ontario sign is seen in a snowbank on Moodie Drive in Ottawa. Feb. 18, 2025. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Voters in Ottawa and across Ontario head to the polls today for the 44th Ontario election.

There are eight ridings up for grabs in the City of Ottawa: Carleton, Kanata-Carleton, Nepean, Orléans, Ottawa Centre, Ottawa South, Ottawa-Vanier, and Ottawa West-Nepean.

• Meet the Ontario election candidates in Ottawa and eastern Ontario

At least three ridings will have a new MPP after the votes are counted tonight, following the decisions by Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari and Ottawa-Centre MPP Joel Harden not to seek re-election.

More than 42,200 Ottawa residents cast ballots in advance polls between Feb. 20 and 22, while 678,789 people voted in advance polls across Ontario.

Ottawa Centre had the highest voter turnout in Ottawa, with 8,050 votes cast in advance polls, while Ottawa-Vanier had the lowest voter turnout, with 3,218 ballots cast.

• Ontario election: Here’s what the 4 main parties have on their agendas for Ottawa

CTV News Ottawa, CTVNewsOttawa.ca and Newstalk 580 CFRA will have continuing coverage of the Ontario election.

CTV News Ottawa looks at what you need to know to vote in the Ontario election:

When can I vote?

Polling stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Elections Ontario says you must vote at your assigned voting location, which is listed on your voter identification card. Voters can find their polling station on the Elections Ontario website.

Who is eligible to vote?

To vote in the Ontario election, you must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• A Canadian citizen
• A resident of Ontario

What do you need to vote?

Elections Ontario says to vote in the Ontario election, bring your voter information card and one piece of ID showing your name to the voting location.

To vote:

• You must provide ID to receive a ballot. You may use an electronic copy of your ID, which may be printed or displayed on a mobile device.
• Photo ID is not required. If you choose to show photo ID, your appearance does not need to match the photo.
• Elections Ontario says you do not need to provide any information about your sex or gender expression.

International ID or permanent resident cards will not be accepted as ID.

A piece of ID may be:

A government-issued ID includes: A birth certificate, marriage certificate, Ontario health card, Canadian passport, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Card, Certificate of Indian Status, Certification of Naturalization, firearms licence, Old Age Security identification card, or a birth certificate from a Canadian province or territory.

Other pieces of ID accepted include a blood donor card, credit/debit card, diplomatic or special passport, hospital records, a student card or a union card/professional licence.

Can I still vote if I don’t receive my voter information card?

Yes, you can still vote if you don’t receive your voter information card.

Elections Ontario says you will need to bring a piece of ID with your name and current home address on it to vote.

Voting if you’re a student

Elections Ontario says students can vote in the electoral district of your permanent home address or in the electoral district for your address while attending school.

You will need to show ID to vote. On-campus voting is only for students living on campus.