The Ontario provincial election is just around the corner, with polling day scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. For many, the anticipation is building as voters prepare to make their choices known. With advanced polls already open, and various options for casting their ballots, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the voting process.
Advanced polls have been operating across the province, allowing voters to cast their ballots early. For example, the advanced voting period began on January 30 and continues at several designated locations until 6 p.m. on February 26. On the final days leading up to the official election day, many are utilizing this opportunity to vote and avoid potential lines on the actual voting day.
To assist residents, here’s where to vote for the final day of advanced polls within Waterloo Region:
- Kitchener Conestoga:
- Bloomingdale Community Centre: 1031 Snyder’s Flats Rd, Bloomingdale
- Forest Heights Community Centre: 1700 Queens Blvd, Kitchener
- Lions Hall Elmira: 40 South St W, Elmira
- Wilmot Recreation Centre: 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
- Kitchener Centre:
- St. Stephen Lutheran Church: 248 Highland Rd E, Kitchener
- Stanley Park Zehrs Store: 1005 Ottawa St N, Kitchener
- Victoria Hills Community Centre: 10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener
- Waterloo:
- Columbus Conference Centre: 145 Dearborn Place, Waterloo
- RIM Park: 2001 University Ave E, Waterloo
- Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex: 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo
- Kitchener South Hespeler:
- Country Hills Community Centre: 100 Rittenhouse Road, Kitchener
- Heritage College and Seminary: 175 Holiday Inn Drive, Cambridge
- Cambridge:
- Islamic Centre of Cambridge: 1550 Dunbar Road, Cambridge
- North Dumfries Community Centre: 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr
- Guelph:
- Arkell Road Bible Chapel: 51 Arkell Road, Guelph
- Evergreen Seniors Community Centre: 683 Woolwich St, Guelph
Through the advanced voting process, residents can provide their input effectively and have their say heard loud and clear.
For eligible voters wishing to participate, it is important to note the basic eligibility criteria: you must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Ontario. If you haven't received your official voter card, don't worry—you can still vote. Just be sure to bring one piece of identification showing both your name and home address to register and receive your ballot.
Polling hours on election day are set from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters are encouraged to verify their polling locations via the information provided on their voter cards, which they should have received by February 22. If you did not receive your voter card, you still have options; you can vote at advanced polls or on election day by presenting acceptable ID.
What about those without access to standard identification? Those who don’t have ID showing both their name and home address can still vote thanks to certificates provided by local shelters or food banks. This flexibility ensures inclusivity and access for those facing housing instability.
For voters with mobility challenges, Elections Ontario has provisions for accessible voting. Eligible voters can request home visits for voting by reaching out to local election offices located throughout the region. It's important to contact the local office by 6 p.m. on February 26 so arrangements can be made.
Adding to the excitement are the candidates vying for votes across various ridings. For Timmins, five candidates will be competing: incumbent George Pirie of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party is up against Corey Lepage from the New Democratic Party, Dominic Casto from the Liberal Party, Marie-Josee Yelle from the Green Party, and David Farrell representing the New Blue Party. The competition across these regions ensures voters have distinct voices to choose from as they make their selections come February 27.
This election marks another significant moment for Ontario, exemplifying the democratic process at work. Whether through advanced polls or on election day itself, every vote plays a role in determining the province's future direction. So, as the election date approaches, Ontarians are urged to participate, stay informed, and exercise their right to vote, making every effort to engage with the democratic process.