Ottawa voters get their choice: 14 mayoral candidates, two election dates to mark

Ottawa voters will choose a mayor from 14 candidates and a ward councillor when polls open October 26. Two other races fill the ballot: school board trustee seats and, for those who request a change, a different school board from the English public system they're automatically registered for.

Advance voting runs October 1 to 4 at city hall and select community and recreation centres, with extended hours (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on October 16 in each ward. Polls open at 10 a.m. on voting day and close at 8 p.m.

Voters need one piece of ID showing name and address — photo ID is not required. Those without acceptable proof can make a statutory declaration before receiving a ballot. Mail-in ballot applications closed September 15; applications for proxy voting are still open through October 26 at 4:30 p.m., submitted to city staff in person, by email, or by mail.

Eighty-five certified candidates are running for councillor across 24 wards. The ballot will list 37 school board trustee positions split across four boards: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (English public), Ottawa Catholic School Board (English Catholic), Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (French Catholic), and Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (French public). Eligible voters are automatically registered for the English public board; those wanting to switch can apply online, by email, by mail, or in person until September 20 at 4:30 p.m. After that date, board changes are available at voting places on voting days.

Campaign signs are permitted as of September 11 and must be removed by 11:59 p.m. on October 29. They must stay at least three metres from intersections, 50 centimetres from sidewalks (or two metres from roadway edges where no sidewalk exists). Landlords cannot prevent tenants from displaying signs on rented properties; condo corporations cannot bar owners or tenants from displaying them on units.

For voter information, contact Ottawa at 613-580-2660, call 311, or visit ottawa.ca/vote.