Voter Information

To vote in a municipal election, you must: 

• Be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old
• Be qualified to vote in the municipality by:
  • living in the municipality, or 
  • owning or renting property in the municipality, or 
  • being the spouse of somebody who owns or rents property in the municipality

• Not be prohibited from voting according to Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA)

Note: Property must be personally owned or rented to vote in that municipality. Properties owned by a business or trust do not qualify. 

University and College Students: 

• Section 2 (2.1) of the MEA allows post-secondary students to vote in both the municipal election where they are attending school and the municipal election in their “home” municipality, provided they are residing in another municipality to attend a post-secondary institution and intend to return to their “home” municipality at the conclusion of their studies. 

Understanding Ontario Regulation 304/03, Voter Identification from the Municipal Elections Act, 1996

What this regulation is for

This regulation specifies the identification people need to vote in a municipal election. When you go to vote, you must show proof of your identity and where you live. 

What kind of ID works 

You need to bring one document that shows both: 

• your name 

• your qualifying residential address (where you live or the address that qualifies you as a voter) 

This document must be original, or a properly certified copy. 

Examples of acceptable documents 

Some of the many types of documents you can use include:  

• An Ontario driver’s licence 

• Ontario Photo Card or Ontario Health Card (if it shows name + address) 

• Ontario motor vehicle permit (the portion listing address) 

• A cancelled personalized cheque 

• A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement for a property in Ontario 

• A utility bill — for example, electricity, water, gas, phone or cable/tv bill 

• A bank or credit card statement, or other financial statements (for example, savings account, RRSP, etc.) 

• A document issued by a government body (Canadian, Ontario, or municipal) that shows your name & address 

• A notice of property-tax assessment 

• Government benefit statements (like for pension, disability support, etc.) 

• A document showing residence in a long-term care home, student residence, or an institution (if applicable) 

Because the list is long, many different types of “official” or “formal” documents can work, as long as the document shows your name and correct address. 

What happens if you don’t have acceptable ID 

If you don’t have one of the accepted documents, there’s another option: you can fill out a “Declaration of Identity” form. That can still allow you to vote. 

Why this matters 

• The rule helps make sure only eligible people — people who can prove they are who they say they are, and who really live (or qualify) at the address they claim — get to vote. 

• It helps keep municipal elections fair and legitimate. 

• Because the regulation accepts many kinds of documents (not only photo ID), it gives flexibility — people can use common bills or official documents, not just a driver’s licence or passport. 

As of January 1, 2024, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is no longer responsible for collecting voter information for municipal elections. However, MPAC is still required to collect school support information. 

Property owners in Ontario must designate support for a school system, even if they do not have children or children currently attending school. This designation appears on your Property Assessment Notice. 

You can update your school support designation through MPAC’s Online School Support Tool. To learn more about school support, visit the MPAC website. 

Please note: Changes made to your school support through MPAC will not be reflected on your voter registration for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election. Please also call 519-538-1060 ext. 1234 or visit the Municipal Office at 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, to update your school support for the upcoming election.