A record 222,550 Torontonians cast early ballots during the six-day advance voting period for the 2026 municipal election, marking the highest turnout in over a decade.
A record 222,550 Torontonians cast early ballots during the six-day advance voting period for the 2026 municipal election, according to data released by the City of Toronto. This figure represents the highest advance voting turnout in more than 10 years.
Advance voting took place from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11. The total of 222,550 voters marks an increase of nearly 92 per cent compared to the 2022 municipal election, when 115,911 people voted in advance. It is also up around 79 per cent from the 2018 municipal election, which saw 124,299 advance votes.
The latest figures also surpass the previous high of 161,147 advance votes recorded in the 2014 municipal election, representing a 38 per cent increase. Additionally, the turnout exceeded the 129,745 advance votes cast during the 2023 mayoral byelection.
Daily breakdown of advance voting numbers:
Sunday was the busiest day for advance voting, while Saturday was the second-busiest.
Both Mayor Olivia Chow and her main challenger, Coun. Brad Bradford, stated that the high turnout reflects positively on their respective campaigns, though advance voting figures do not indicate which candidates voters supported.
Chow’s campaign credited its get-out-the-vote efforts for the increase. "Record high turnout in advance polls shows the Chow ground game at work," the campaign said in a statement. Chow added at a news conference, "Just watch for it, that’s just the advance poll. The number of people I encountered that said, ‘Ms. Chow I voted for you,’ gave me a lot of confidence."
Bradford’s campaign argued the numbers signal a desire for change. "That's not a turnout bump. That's a city that has decided it wants something different and is lining up to say so," campaign spokesperson Laryssa Waler said. Bradford stated, "It tells me that Torontonians are ready for change, that they’re looking for new leadership, that they want a city that is affordable and feels safer, and a city they can get around in."
In-person voting for the 2026 municipal election will take place on Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned voting location.
Residents who requested mail-in ballots must ensure their completed voting packages are received by Toronto Elections by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The city has provided 25 secure mail-in ballot drop boxes across Toronto to assist with this deadline.
According to the city, there are 2.14 million eligible voters in Toronto. The city clerk has certified 361 candidates. Following the withdrawal of mayoral candidate Chris Alexander, there are now 52 candidates for mayor, 190 candidates for councillor, and 118 candidates for school board trustee.
The significant increase in advance voting suggests heightened engagement in the 2026 municipal election compared to recent cycles. With turnout nearly doubling from 2022, the final result on Oct. 26 may hinge on whether this early momentum translates to higher overall participation or if it primarily reflects a shift in voting timing among already-engaged voters.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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