Municipal Elections
October 26th, 2026
City of Ottawa
On October 26th, 2026, Ottawa will hold its municipal election. We want to make sure you have the information you need to get out and vote.
Read more below
Here’s what you need to know.
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Voting is for everyone (above 18 years old). You can rent, own a home, share accommodation with someone else, be looking for housing or living without housing and still vote in the election. There are many types of ID accepted to vote. See the list of accepted ID and the voter registration resource.
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Not sure where to go on election day?
Use this tool from the City of Ottawa to find out!Worried about accessibility on election day?
click here to learn more about accessible municipal elections -
A municipal election happens every 4 years. At the election we will all have the opportunity to vote for a mayor and City Councillors (and School Board Trustees). Each Councillor will represent a different ward in Ottawa.
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In Ottawa we have 24 different wards. Each ward has one elected Councillor. That’s who you are voting for.The Councillor for your ward is your voice on City Council. They are elected to represent you and your neighbours.
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A City Councillor is someone who has been elected to represent your ward (neighbourhood) at City Council.A candidate is a person from your neighbourhood who has put their name forward to run for the position of City Councillor.
Is your councillor running again? Here’s where to find out.
Even though your existing councillor might be running again, it doesn’t mean they will be elected. Talk to your friends, families, neighbours - the more people who vote, the more representative the elected Councillor will be.
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You will also cast a vote for the mayor in this election.The Mayor doesn’t represent a specific ward but has the needs of the entire City in mind. The Mayor is the head of the City and represents Ottawa on behalf of all of us. The Mayor is also in charge of making sure City Council runs smoothly and effectively.
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Municipal government shapes your day-to-day life more than most people realize. Municipal services include everything from garbage pick-up, public transit, roads and sidewalks, swimming lessons to social services, housing and childcare.Most of us will interact with a decision made by the City everyday or many times in a day, that’s why voting in the election is so important.
Learn more about what the municipal government is responsible for:
Spread the Word
Are you feeling motivated to talk with your friends, neighbours, and family about the upcoming municipal election?
Are you ready to ask some questions to candidates?
The Ottawa Community Food Partnership (OCFP) in partnership with the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI), has created Elections Cards and a Caring Conversations Guide to help you do just that.
Municipal Election Care Cards
Attending a community event with a councillor/mayoral candidate?
Take a look at how your City government policy decisions impact food security.
To download copies of the Care Cards to print, please click here.
Caring Conversations Guide
Whether you want to have a one-on-one conversation with a friend or host a bigger gathering in your neighbourhood, this Guide is for you! Click on a Guide to open:
See what your candidates are saying on food issues in Ottawa:
Ottawa Food Policy Council ran a survey on Food Issues in Ottawa.
See what your candidates are saying - or invite them to fill out the survey! - using this link here.