Voters have their first chance to cast a ballot this week in the 2026 City of Ottawa municipal election. The city is hosting four days of Special Advance Voting Days for residents to vote for mayor, councillor and school board trustee. Ten voting places will be open across the City of Ottawa between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As part of the “anywhere voting” plan, eligible voters can cast a ballot at any of the 10 locations over the next four days. If you don’t vote over the next four days, you can vote on the Advance Voting Day on Friday, Oct. 16 and on Voting Day on Monday, Oct. 26. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the four Special Advance Voting Days this week. When Residents can vote on the Special Advance Voting Days on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Polling stations will be open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Where to vote The City of Ottawa will operate 10 voting places during the four days of Special Advance Voting Days. The “anywhere voting” allows residents to vote at any of the 10 locations across the city. You can cast a ballot at one of the following places: The City of Ottawa says resident can cast a ballot at any of the 10 voting locations until Sunday. What do I need to vote? Voters will need be required to present a piece of identification to receive a ballot at the voting location. The city says the identification must show your name and qualifying Ottawa address. The city says you may present one of the following as a piece of personal information: The city says photo identification is not required to vote in the municipal election. Who cannot vote The City of Ottawa says the following cannot vote in the municipal election. Other voting days Residents who do not cast a ballot during the four Special Advance Voting Days will have two more chances to vote. The City of Ottawa will host an Advance Voting Day on Friday, Oct. 16. You can also vote on election day – Monday, Oct. 26. Polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Advance Voting Day and on election day. The city says on the Advance Voting Day and on election day, you must vote at the assigned voting place within the ward. Electors can find their assigned voting places by using the “Where do I vote?” tool on ottawa.ca/vote.
