Story perspectives

Chow Wins Re-election With 54% After Double-Name Confusion

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Mayor Olivia Chow won re-election, defeating Brad Bradford by double digits.
Chow received 532,201 votes, the highest ever in Toronto, representing over 54 % of ballots.
Ballot listed Olivia Chow as number 9 and Braeden Chow as number 8, causing voter confusion.
York University professor Denis Pilon said the vote gap shows a same-name advantage, recommending run-off ballots.
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs said clerks may differentiate identical surnames on ballots.

1 of 1

Mayor Olivia Chow won re-election, defeating Brad Bradford by double digits.
Chow received 532,201 votes, the highest ever in Toronto, representing over 54 % of ballots.
Ballot listed Olivia Chow as number 9 and Braeden Chow as number 8, causing voter confusion.
York University professor Denis Pilon said the vote gap shows a same-name advantage, recommending run-off ballots.
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs said clerks may differentiate identical surnames on ballots.