Strong start to advance voting in Kitchener's 2026 municipal election
Voter turnout during the first three days of advance voting for Kitchener's 2026 municipal election has exceeded turnout recorded during the first three days of advance voting in the 2022 election, demonstrating strong early participation from residents.
A total of 5,347 voters cast ballots during the first three days of advance voting in 2026, compared to 3,973 voters during the same period in 2022, representing an increase of approximately 35 per cent. These figures do not include home visits, institutional voting, or special voting locations.
"We're encouraged to see such strong turnout in the first days of advance voting," said Amanda Fusco, City Clerk. "The decisions made by municipal government have a direct impact on residents' daily lives, from the roads and trails they use, to recreation programs, housing, public spaces and essential services. Every vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of our community, and we encourage all eligible voters to participate."
Turnout has exceeded 2022 levels on each of the first three advance voting days. More than 1,700 eligible voters participated on each day of advance voting so far, with the highest single-day turnout occurring on October 15 when 1,827 ballots were cast.
Voting activity has been strong across the City. Stanley Park Community Centre recorded the highest turnout during the first three days of advance voting with 1,408 voters, followed by Forest Heights Community Centre with 1,228 voters. Country Hills Community Centre, Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, Breithaupt Centre and Kitchener City Hall have also seen steady voter participation.
Residents who have not yet voted still have several opportunities to cast a ballot before Election Day.
Voting options
Advance voting
Friday, October 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W.
- Fairview Park Mall, 2960 Kingsway Dr. (Entrance 2, closest to the ION station)
- Sunrise Shopping Centre, 1400 Ottawa St. S. (drive-thru voting location)
Saturday, October 17
- Fairview Park Mall, 2960 Kingsway Dr. (Entrance 2, closest to the ION station), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunrise Shopping Centre, 1400 Ottawa St. S. (drive-thru voting location), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Kitchener Market (Workhaus), 300 King St. E., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Election Day voting
Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Voting locations across the City will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may vote at any voting location within their ward.
Additional voting options
The City also offers accessible voting supports, curbside voting, proxy voting and home vote upon request for eligible voters. Voting opportunities are also available for residents of participating retirement homes and long-term care facilities.
The City encourages all eligible voters to make a plan to vote, confirm their voter information and review available voting options before heading to the polls.
Learn more
For information about voter registration, voting locations, accessibility supports and voting options, visit KitchenerVotes.ca.
For more information
Corporate Communications
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca
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.