How to vote by mail in ontario election

In Ontario, voters can cast their ballots by mail-in ballot, also known as an absentee ballot, for the provincial election. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to vote by mail in the Ontario election:

Eligibility: To vote by mail, you must be a registered voter in Ontario and meet one of the following criteria:

  1. You're unable to vote in person due to a physical disability or illness.
  2. You're away from your electoral district on election day.
  3. You're unable to vote in person due to a religious belief or observance.
  4. You're a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or a merchant navy veteran who is unable to vote in person.

Step 1: Check if you're eligible Before applying for a mail-in ballot, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. If you're unsure, contact the Ontario Chief Electoral Officer's office at 1-866-252-3622 or [email protected].

Step 2: Apply for a mail-in ballot To apply for a mail-in ballot, you'll need to complete the Application for Absent Voter's Certificate (Form 3) and submit it to your local election office. You can:

  1. Download and print the form from the Ontario government's website: www.ontario.ca/page/apply-absent-voter-certificate
  2. Contact your local election office to request a form be mailed to you.
  3. Visit your local election office in person to pick up a form.

Step 3: Complete the application form Fill out the application form, providing the required information, including:

  1. Your name and address.
  2. Your electoral district.
  3. Your reason for applying for a mail-in ballot.
  4. Your signature.

Step 4: Submit the application form Return the completed application form to your local election office by:

  1. Mail: Send the form to your local election office by mail.
  2. Fax: Fax the form to your local election office.
  3. In person: Visit your local election office to submit the form.

Step 5: Receive your mail-in ballot package Once your application is approved, you'll receive a mail-in ballot package, which will include:

  1. A ballot.
  2. A secrecy envelope.
  3. A return envelope.

Step 6: Mark your ballot Mark your ballot by filling in the oval next to your chosen candidate's name. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the ballot.

Step 7: Return your ballot Place your marked ballot in the secrecy envelope, then seal it and place it in the return envelope. Sign the return envelope and mail it back to your local election office or return it in person.

Important deadlines: Make sure to apply for a mail-in ballot and return your completed ballot by the specified deadlines:

  1. Application deadline: Typically 6 days before election day.
  2. Ballot return deadline: Election day (6:00 p.m. local time).

Contact information: For more information or to apply for a mail-in ballot, contact your local election office or the Ontario Chief Electoral Officer's office:

  1. Phone: 1-866-252-3622
  2. Email: [email protected]
  3. Website: www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-elections

Remember to carefully follow the instructions and deadlines to ensure your mail-in ballot is counted.