How Elections Work in Canada
Canadian voters have a say at three levels of government. The federal Parliament deals with immigration, defence, foreign policy and federal taxes. Provincial governments are responsible for healthcare and education. Municipalities handle what you see outside your window: roads, public transit, snow removal, parks, libraries and urban planning. The voting principle is similar at every level, but the stakes are different.
Federal elections: You elect an MP, not the prime minister
In federal elections, Canadians do not vote directly for the prime minister. Instead, they vote for a candidate in their electoral district. Canada is divided into 343 electoral districts, each of which elects one Member of Parliament, or MP, to the House of Commons.
The candidate who receives more votes than any opponent wins, even if that candidate receives only 35 per cent of the vote. This system is known as first-past-the-post. The party that wins the largest number of seats usually forms the government, and its leader becomes prime minister. If the party holds more than half the seats, it forms a majority government. If it holds fewer than half, it forms a minority government and must seek support from other parties for every major decision.
Federal elections are administered by the independent agency Elections Canada. Voters may cast their ballots on election day, at advance polls or by mail using a special ballot. The law provides for a fixed election cycle, but an election may be held earlier—for example, after Parliament is dissolved.
Provincial elections: Ontario and Quebec
The system works the same way in Ontario. The province is divided into 124 electoral districts, each of which elects one Member of Provincial Parliament, or MPP, to the Legislative Assembly. Elections Ontario administers the process.
In Quebec, elected representatives are known as Members of the National Assembly, or MNAs, and sit in the National Assembly. By the next election, the number of electoral districts will increase from 125 to 127. Voting is scheduled for October 5, 2026: by law, a general election is held every four years on the first Monday in October. The process is administered by Élections Québec.
The practical implication for our region is that a Gatineau resident votes for a representative in Quebec’s National Assembly, while an Ottawa resident elects an MPP in Ontario. In both cases, voters choose their local representative, not the head of government.
Ottawa votes on October 26
Municipal elections have the most direct impact on everyday life. On October 26, 2026, Ottawa residents will elect the mayor, their ward councillor and a school board trustee. There is one important difference: candidates on Ontario municipal ballots do not run under party banners—you evaluate the person, not the logo.
Ottawa has 24 wards. The mayor represents the entire city, while each councillor represents a particular ward. Special advance voting will take place from October 1 to 4, and the regular advance voting day will be October 16. On election day, most polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old may vote if they live in Ottawa, own or rent property in the city, or are the spouse of such a property owner or tenant. Your name must appear on the voters’ list, so check it in advance rather than waiting until you arrive at the polling station.
How to get your name on the ballot
Municipal politics is not limited to career politicians. To run for city council, a candidate must submit the prescribed form and identification to the Elections Office, collect at least 25 signatures from eligible voters and pay a $100 filing fee. Campaign finances are regulated by law and must be reported.
In 2026, nomination papers will be accepted from May 1 until 2 p.m. on August 21. The city will certify the candidates on August 24.
Where to find candidates’ platforms—and how to participate
The city’s official webpage confirms candidate registrations and provides their contact information, but it does not publish their platforms. Candidates explain their priorities on campaign websites, during door-to-door canvassing, at debates, on social media and in their responses to public questionnaires. The amount of information provided varies from candidate to candidate—another reason to follow campaign updates until election day.
There are two ways to help. Volunteers can join campaign teams to distribute materials, call voters and assist at events. Those interested in seeing how an election works from the inside can also apply for paid positions. The City of Ottawa is hiring more than 5,000 election workers for October 16 and 26. Training is mandatory and will be provided. Knowledge of both English and French is an asset, and applicants must be at least 16 years old by the time they begin working.
Canadian democracy does not begin with a check mark on a ballot. It begins with a question for the candidate: What exactly will you do for our neighbourhood—and how will we be able to evaluate the results?
If you would like to volunteer in the upcoming election, please contact me.
Ekaterina Belinson
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