2026 Municipal Elections

Vote in the municipal election

Voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Vote for mayor, ward councillors and school board trustees.

Make sure you are registered to vote and confirm your school board support.


On this page:

  1. Make sure you're on the voters' list
  2. Choose your school board support
  3. Key dates for voters
  4. Check if you can vote
  5. Voting day
  6. Vote in advance
  7. Read the voters' guide
  8. Contact us

Make sure you're on the voters’ list

Elections Ontario maintains the voters’ list.

Check if your name and address are correct before you vote.

Update your information if you:

  • moved
  • changed your name
  • are voting for the first time

University and college students – if you live away from home, you may be able to vote in both your home and school municipalities.

Check or update the voters' list


Choose your school board support

Every home in Waterloo is linked to a school board, even if no one in the household attends school. Whether you rent or own your home, you can choose which school board you support. This determines which school trustee you vote for.

You can still update your school support designation through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Once your change is confirmed, email the MPAC confirmation to elections@waterloo.ca or bring a copy to Legislative Services at Waterloo City Hall. 

Update school support


Key dates for voters

Key dates for voters
Event Date
Check or update your information on the voters' list Now
Update your school support designation with MPAC  As soon as possible
Voter notification cards mailed September, 2026
Advanced voting

Saturday, October 10, 2026 
Friday, October 16, 2026 
Saturday, October 17, 2026 
Sunday, October 18, 2026

Voting day Monday, October 26, 2026

Check if you can vote

You can vote if you:

  • are a Canadian citizen
  • are 18 years of age or older
  • live in Waterloo, or own or rent property in Waterloo, or are the spouse of someone who owns or rents property in Waterloo
  • are not prohibited from voting

You can only vote in the ward where you live.

If you are 18 or older, a Canadian citizen, and living in Waterloo for school, you can vote in 2 places:

  • Waterloo – where you live during school
  • your home municipality

Your home is where you usually live when you are not at school (for example, a family home).

Before you vote:

  • check or update your information on the voters' list
  • make sure your Waterloo address is included

Check or update the voters' list

You do not need a permanent address to vote in Waterloo.

Your voting address is the place in Waterloo where you have most often returned to sleep or eat during the 5 weeks before you vote.

This address decides where you vote.

If your ID does not show this address:

  • you can sign a form at the voting location to confirm where you live (this is called a declaration)
  • election staff will help you complete it

You cannot vote if you are:

  • serving a sentence in a correctional institution
  • a corporation
  • voting on behalf of someone else, unless you are an authorized voting proxy under the Municipal Elections Act

Vote on election day

Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can check your voting location online or use your voter notification card.

To vote, you must show proof of identity and address.

Bring one piece of identification that shows your name and current Waterloo address.

If your ID does not show your current address, you can complete a declaration form at your voting location.

Accepted identification includes:

  • Ontario driver’s licence
  • Ontario photo card
  • utility bill
  • bank statement
  • government-issued document with your name and address

Check the full list of accepted forms of voter ID

All voting locations have accessible entrances and parking. Service animals are welcome.

If you need assistance, election staff can help.

Accessible voting equipment will be available at a designated location during advance voting and on voting day.


Vote in advance

During the advanced voting period, eligible electors can vote at any of the locations listed below:

Advanced voting days
Date Location Hours
Saturday, October 10, 2026 Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
101 Father David Bauer Drive
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, October 16, 2026 Albert McCormick Community Centre
500 Parkside Drive
2:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
101 Father David Bauer Drive
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026 RIM Park
2001 University Ave. East
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Accessible voting equipment will be available at all locations during advance voting. American Sign Language (ASL) and multilingual online interpretation services will also be available.


Read the voters' guide

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing produces a voters' guide for each municipal election. Review the guide for more information on who is eligible to vote, how to vote and how you can support candidates in Ontario municipal council and school board elections.

2026 Voters' guide


Contact us

Contact us if you have questions about the municipal election: