How to Vote in Simcoe County Municipal Elections
Municipal elections in Ontario are administered by each local municipality under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. The next municipal general election is on Monday, October 26, 2026.
1. Who Can Vote in Municipal Elections?
Under Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, a person is entitled to vote in a municipal election if they are:
- At least 18 years of age on Election Day;
- A Canadian citizen; and
- Either a resident of the municipality, or the owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant.
🏖️ Cottagers & Seasonal Property Owners Can Vote!
Unlike provincial elections, non-resident property owners (such as seasonal cottagers across Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and rural townships) are legally entitled to vote in the municipality where their property is located!
If you live in Toronto or York Region but own a cottage in Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, or Tiny, you can vote in both your home city's municipal election AND your cottage municipality's election.
2. What Offices Are on the Municipal Ballot?
When you cast your ballot in a Simcoe County municipal election, you vote for key municipal and education offices:
1. Mayor
Contested at-large by voters across the municipality to serve as head of council and chief executive officer.
2. Deputy Mayor
Contested at-large to serve as Deputy Head of Council and represent the town/township at County of Simcoe Council.
3. Ward Councillor
Contested by voters within your specific ward (or at-large in smaller townships) to represent neighbourhood infrastructure, planning, and bylaws.
4. School Board Trustee
Contested by school board supporters to govern regional education policy and budgets across local schools.
3. Checking the Municipal Voters' List (VoterLookup.ca)
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) compiles property assessment and tenant data to generate the preliminary voters' list for each municipality.
School Board Support Declaration: In Ontario, your voter registration indicates which school board you support (English Public, English Catholic, French Public, or French Catholic). This determines which school board trustee race appears on your municipal ballot.
4. Voting Methods Across Simcoe County
Each municipality determines its authorized voting methods by municipal bylaw under the Municipal Elections Act:
🌐 Internet & Telephone Voting
Used exclusively by the City of Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Midland, Tiny, Tay, Clearview, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, and Adjala-Tosorontio. Voters receive a secure PIN by mail and can cast their ballot online or via telephone 24/7 without paper ballots.
🗳️ In-Person Paper Ballots
The City of Orillia conducts its municipal election exclusively via in-person paper ballots counted by ImageCast Precinct optical tabulators (Orillia City Council voted against internet voting due to cybersecurity concerns). The Township of Essa also uses traditional in-person paper ballots.
🔄 Hybrid Voting (Internet + Paper)
Municipalities including Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, New Tecumseth, Penetanguishene, Severn, and Ramara offer hybrid models, combining multi-week 24/7 internet voting with in-person paper ballot polling locations and optical tabulators.
🏢 Voter Assistance Centres & Kiosks
Every municipality—including 100% digital jurisdictions like Barrie—sets up physical Voter Assistance Centres at Town Halls, libraries, and community facilities equipped with touchscreens, tablets, accessible peripherals, and staff assistance.
5. 2026 Municipal Election Dates
How to Vote in Ontario Provincial Elections
Provincial elections in Ontario are administered by Elections Ontario, an independent agency of the Legislative Assembly. Learn about eligibility rules, voter registration, approved identification, and your options for casting a ballot.
1. Who Can Vote in Ontario?
To be eligible to vote in an Ontario provincial general election or by-election, you must be:
- At least 18 years of age on Election Day;
- A Canadian citizen; and
- A resident of Ontario.
Students attending university or college in Ontario can choose to vote either at their home address or at their student residence address, but not both.
2. Register to Vote (RegisterToVoteON.ca)
Elections Ontario maintains the permanent Register of Electors for the province. When you are registered, you will automatically receive a Voter Information Card (VIC) in the mail before Election Day detailing your assigned voting location.
Didn't register ahead of time? In Ontario, you can always register in person at your polling station when you go to vote. Just bring acceptable ID proving your name and residential address.
3. Four Ways to Cast Your Ballot
Ontario provides multiple flexible, accessible ways to vote:
4. Required Identification (ID)
Under the Ontario Election Act, you must show one piece of identification that shows both your NAME and current RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.
Accepted Government IDs (One piece required):
- Ontario Driver's Licence (shows name & residential address)
- Ontario Photo Card (shows name & residential address)
- Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (vehicle registration)
- Income Tax Assessment Notice or Canadian Notice of Assessment
- Government of Ontario or Government of Canada benefit statement
Other Accepted Proof of Residence Documents:
- Residential lease, sub-lease, or mortgage agreement
- Utility bill (hydro, gas, water, internet, or cable)
- Bank statement, credit card statement, or credit union document
- Pay stub or employment letter with residential address
- Property tax assessment or bill
An Ontario Health Card does not display your residential address. While it proves your identity and photo, you must pair it with a document proving your residential address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease) to cast your ballot.
Official Elections Ontario Inquiries
For questions regarding provincial polling locations, returning offices, or special ballots: