Toronto’s upcoming municipal election on October 26 features a historically tight mayoral race between frontrunners Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford, with more than 200,000 residents having already cast early ballots, cbc.ca reported.
Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford Clash Over Property Taxes
Frontrunners Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford are actively targeting each other’s property tax plans as new polling data shows the mayoral race narrowing significantly. CBC reporter Naama Weingarten detailed how both candidates promise to tackle urban affordability, while Bradford has introduced major announcements aimed at fundamentally shifting how city hall runs its budget and Chow’s platform faces financial questions over big-ticket spending items.
Voters weighing the choices can review the candidates’ platform promises through various digital trackers. While 52 candidates originally entered the race, former third-place contender Chris Alexander has officially dropped out, leaving a clearer field for the remaining contenders.
Ward Battles and School Trustee Ballots Across Toronto
Beyond the mayoral contest, competitive races are unfolding across the city’s 25 wards. In Toronto Centre, incumbent Chris Moise faces a challenging test, while Beaches-East York candidates are divided over a local Gardiner ramp. Meanwhile, in Ward 23 Scarborough North, transit expansion projects like extending subways are driving intense debate, according to CBC reporter Dale Manucdoc, and Toronto-Danforth features 18 candidates battling for a single council seat.
Voters also face a complicated school trustee ballot following the provincial government’s takeover of the city’s largest school boards. The City of Toronto confirmed that residents uncomfortable with selecting a trustee can leave that specific section of the ballot blank while still participating in the mayoral and local councillor votes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Voting in Toronto
When is election day for the Toronto municipal race?
Election day is scheduled for October 26. More than 200,000 Torontonians have already cast early votes ahead of the final deadline.
What do I need to bring to the polling station?
Voters generally need to bring identification that includes proof of their address. The entire voting process is designed to be quick, though lines may form at peak times.
Can I skip voting for a school trustee?
Yes. The City of Toronto confirms that if you are not comfortable selecting a school trustee due to recent provincial changes, you can leave that part of the ballot blank and still vote for mayor and your local city councillor.
Where can I find a full list of candidates running in my ward?
The complete list of candidates running for city council and mayor is available directly on the official City of Toronto website.
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