Changes You Should Know About: Mail-in Voting

City Council has officially approved a mail-in voting option for the 2022 general municipal election.

Mail-in voting was tested in Toronto during the January 2021 Scarborough-Agincourt by-election, providing residents with a safe alternative to in-person voting during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 4,082 mail-in voting packages distributed and very high return rates, the program was deemed a success and will be implemented as a voting option in the October 2022 election.

To vote by mail during the by-election, residents applied to receive a mail-in voting package and were required to provide valid identification if they were not already on the voters' list. Once approved, the elector was sent a package containing a ballot, instructions for how to fill out the ballot, and a postage-paid envelope for returning the completed package. Secure ballot drop-boxes were also located outside of the Advance Vote stations to provide a convenient, contactless option.

With City Council's approval, the City Clerk is now working to scale up the mail-in voting program. More details – including how to apply for a voting package – will be provided on the City's website in the coming months.