Full Breakdown
Toronto Sets New Record for Advance Voting Turnout in 2026 Municipal Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Record Advance Voting Turnout
The City of Toronto reports that 225,550 eligible voters cast ballots during the six-day advance-voting period scheduled for October 6 through October 11. This figure more than doubles the advance-voting turnout in the 2022 general municipal election and establishes a new high for any Toronto election.
Historical Comparison
For context, the city’s own data show the following advance-voting totals in recent elections:
- 2023 mayoral by-election – 129,745 votes
- 2022 general municipal election – 115,911 votes
- 2018 municipal election – 124,299 votes
- 2014 municipal election – 161,147 votes
- 2010 municipal election – 77,365 votes
The 2026 advance-voting total therefore exceeds the previous record set in 2023 (129,745) by approximately 96,000 votes.
Daily Turnout Breakdown
The city released a day-by-day count for the advance-voting period:
- October 6 – 36,743 voters
- October 7 – 31,018 voters
- October 8 – 28,666 voters
- October 9 – 33,579 voters
- October 10 – 39,181 voters
- October 11 – 53,363 voters (the highest single-day total since Toronto’s 1998 amalgamation, surpassing the prior record of 38,621 set in 2023)
Why It Matters
The surge in early voting suggests heightened voter engagement ahead of the October 26 election day. Higher advance participation can reduce congestion at polling stations, potentially improve accessibility for seniors and people with mobility challenges, and may signal broader interest in municipal issues such as transit, housing, and public safety.
Next Steps
Toronto’s election officials will continue to prepare for the main polling day on October 26, when polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The unprecedented advance-voting numbers will likely inform future decisions about the length and logistics of early voting periods in the city.