Voting in the Municipal Election

1. Resident elector: You are eligible to vote if you live in the municipality. This includes individuals who own or rent their home, live in shared accommodation without paying rent, or live in the municipality without a fixed address.
2. Non‑resident elector: You are eligible to vote if you own or rent property in the municipality but live elsewhere. You may only be a resident elector in one municipality, but you can be a non‑resident elector in any other municipality where you own or rent property.
3. Spouse of a non‑resident elector: You are eligible to vote if your spouse owns or rents property in the municipality, even if it is not the municipality where you live.

More information to come once voting methods have been determined.

• Proxy Voting: Eligible electors may appoint another eligible elector to vote on their behalf during the Voting Proxy Period. Information on how to appoint a proxy, required forms, and key deadlines will be provided once the details are finalized. More information to come.

The City of Cambridge will be offering, and in compliance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, with a range of voting days to ensure elector access and flexibility.

Voting Days will include:

• Advanced Voting: To be determined
• Election Day: October 26, 2026
• Special Locations (Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities): Only available to residents of eligible facilities.

For the 2026 Municipal Election, several voting location options will support convenience, accessibility, and voter needs:

• In Person Locations (TBD): The City of Cambridge will offer advance voting at selected locations over several weeks prior to Election Day. On Election Day, electors may vote at any voting location within their ward. All confirmed locations will be posted here once finalized. Watch for your Voter Notification letter for your assigned polling details.
• Curb-side Voting: Curbside voting is available at all voting locations for electors who are unable to enter the building due to a disability, mobility challenge, or health‑related need. Election officials will bring the ballot to the elector so they may vote from their vehicle or at the entrance of the facility. More information to come.
• At-Home Voting: Electors who are unable to attend any voting location due to severe illness, mobility limitations, or other qualifying circumstances may request an at‑home voting appointment. Trained election officials will visit the elector’s residence to provide a private and secure voting experience. More information to come.
• Special Locations (Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities): Election officials will conduct on‑site voting opportunities for residents of eligible retirement homes and long‑term care facilities in Cambridge. These voting opportunities are reserved exclusively for residents of those facilities to ensure accessible and barrier‑free participation. Confirmed voting days and hours will be communicated to qualifying locations once the schedule is finalized.

Your ID must show both your name and qualifying address, as required under the Municipal Elections Act. Acceptable forms of identification, as outlined in Ontario Regulation 304/13 Schedule 1, are listed below.

Schedule 1

1. An Ontario driver’s licence.

2. An Ontario Health Card (photo card).

3. An Ontario Photo Card.

4. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).

5. A cancelled personalized cheque.

6. A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.

7. An insurance policy or insurance statement.

8. A loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.

9. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.

10. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.

11. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).

12. An income tax assessment notice.

13. A Child Tax Benefit Statement.

14. A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.

15. A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).

16. A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).

17. A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.

18. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.

19. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.

20. A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.

21. A property tax assessment.

22. A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.

23. A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.

24. A hospital card or record.

25. A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution.

26. A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, issued by the Administrator for the home.

27. A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.

28. A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.

29. A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.

• Follow the instructions on your ballot: It will tell you how many candidates you may select for each office.
• Mark your choices clearly: Use the marking tool provided by election officials and follow instructions on how to mark your ballot to ensure your vote is counted correctly.
• Take your time: If you’re unsure about anything, ask an election official, they can provide guidance on the process, but cannot tell you who to vote for.
• Review your ballot before submitting it: Make sure you’ve marked your choices the way you intended.

• Place your completed ballot into the provided secrecy sleeve to protect your privacy as you exit the booth.

• After leaving the voting booth with your ballot in the secrecy sleeve, go to the designated election official.
• Election officials will place your ballot into the ballot box on your behalf to ensure the process is secure and consistent.
• Once your ballot is deposited, you’re done! You’ve successfully cast your vote.

Electors who require assistance marking their ballot or who need interpretation support may choose a trusted individual to help them.

• This person must take an oath to ensure the secrecy and integrity of your ballot.
• Election officials will guide both of you through the process and ensure all requirements are met.

Trained election officials are available to provide assistance while maintaining the confidentiality of your vote. They can help with:

• Reading and marking the ballot
• Using the secrecy sleeve
• Navigating the voting location
• Understanding the process (but not choosing who to vote for)

For additional accessibility assistance, electors may visit the City Hall polling location on Election Day, where accessibility assistive devices will be available to support voters with a range of needs.