Toronto Sees Record Advance Voting Turnout Ahead of Municipal Election

According to figures released by the City of Toronto on Tuesday, October 13, a total of 222,550 eligible voters participated in advance voting between October 6 and October 11.

That represents a nearly 92% increase over the 2022 municipal election, when 115,911 people voted early.

The numbers also surpassed the city's previous advance voting record of 161,147 ballots in 2014.

Sunday, October 11, was the busiest day of advance voting, with 53,363 ballots cast.

The sharp increase comes as Toronto prepares to elect its next mayor and city councillors on Monday, October 26.

Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow is seeking re-election, with Brad Bradford among her challengers.

Both candidates have pointed to the high turnout as an encouraging sign for their campaigns, although the advance voting numbers do not indicate which candidates voters selected.

Chow said she had encountered many residents who told her they had already voted for her and expected more people to turn out on election day.

Bradford, meanwhile, suggested the numbers reflected a desire for change among Toronto residents, particularly on issues such as affordability, public safety and transportation.

While the record advance turnout points to increased early participation, it remains to be seen whether overall voter turnout will also rise.

Toronto's municipal election will take place on Monday, October 26, with polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents who did not vote in advance can cast their ballots at their assigned polling location on election day.