Advance voting up 47 per cent in Kitchener's 2026 municipal and school board election
Kitchener, ON – Thousands of Kitchener residents have already cast their ballots in the 2026 municipal and school board election, with advance voting drawing strong participation across the city.
A total of 8,208 residents voted during advance voting opportunities held between October 8 to 20, representing four per cent of all eligible voters, and exceeding advance turnout in the 2022 election by 47 per cent.
"Our goal is to make voting as accessible and convenient as possible," said Amanda Fusco, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk. "The community’s positive response to advance polling tells us residents care about local government and they value the flexible voting options we’ve provided this election."
This year's strong advance voting turnout highlights the impact of expanded voting opportunities designed to make participation easier and more accessible. For the first time, residents could take advantage of drive-thru voting, cast a ballot at any advance voting location across the city, and vote at convenient retail and community destinations through the City's "Shop and Vote" program. Combined with the addition of a fifth advance voting day, these flexible options helped remove barriers and provided more opportunities for residents to participate in the democratic process before Election Day.
Residents encouraged to get out the vote on October 26
While advance voting numbers provide an early indication of participation, residents who have not yet voted are encouraged to make a plan to cast their ballot on Election Day, Monday, October 26, 2026.
Before you head to the polls:
You must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and live in Kitchener, own or rent property in Kitchener, or be the spouse of an owner or tenant.
Cast your ballot between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 26.
Before you leave home, find your voting location. You can vote anywhere in your ward on Election Day.
If you're not on the voters list, you can still vote if you're eligible. Bring identification showing your name and current address.
Review the candidates running in your ward and school board positions before casting your ballot.
Whether this is your first municipal election or you've voted for years, every ballot helps shape the future of our community.
Visit KitchenerVotes.ca for voting locations, voter information and election results.
Make your mark. Local matters.
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Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.