As the Municipal Election approaches on October 26, 2026, there are multiple options for students, faculty and staff to vote.
Advance polling in Guelph
Advance polling will occur on the following dates:
- At City Hall (1 Carden Street)
- Oct. 10 and 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Oct. 12 to 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 17 to 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- One location in each Ward
- Oct. 16 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 17 & 18 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See the list of locations you can vote in advance and on October 26.
Advance polling at the University Centre
Advance polling will be available at the University Centre Main Floor Student Lounge at the following dates and times:
- Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Any eligible voters can vote at the University Centre during advance polls. For those voting at the University Centre during advance polling on Friday, free parking is available in P31 visitors’ lot (parking is free at the University on weekends).
Election day
Election day polling for Ward 5 at the University Centre
On election day, October 26, the University Centre will host a polling station in the Main Floor Student Lounge for anyone eligible to vote in Ward 5 in Guelph from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For those voting at the University Centre on election day, free parking is available in P31 visitors’ lot.
Election day polling for other Wards
Residents in any Ward can vote at City Hall (1 Carden Street) on Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can park at the Market Parkade for free on Oct. 26.
Each Ward also has designated polling stations – view voting locations.
Find more information about accessible voting options.
Registering to vote
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 9, 2026, eligible voters can check, update, or add their information to the voters’ list for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election either online at guelph.ca/vote.
After Oct. 9, you can update your voter information at your polling location in your ward or in-person at City Hall located at 1 Carden Street, Guelph ON.
Students living away from home
If you are living in Guelph for school but consider another municipality your home and permanent address, you can register to vote in both your home municipality and Guelph.
What you need to vote
In order to be eligible to vote, you need to:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Reside or own property in Guelph, or be a spouse of a property owner in Guelph
- Not be prohibited from voting under Section 17(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
What identification is accepted?
Identification must include your name and qualifying Guelph address. One piece that shows both is acceptable. Some common documents that fit this requirement include:
- An Ontario driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card
- A piece of identification that shows your name and address
- Any other document from the Government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government that shows your name and address
- Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)
- An income tax assessment notice
- A piece of mail with your name and address on it (for example, but not limited to, a utility bill, a pay stub, a letter from your bank)
Documents that are originally in a digital format may be shown digitally on a phone or other device for identification. A photo of a document such as a photo of a lease or a driver’s license would also be accepted.
Proof of address for students in residence
Students living in residence can obtain a “Proof of Address” letter from the Housing Portal. When you log in, you will find the link on the right-hand side of the top menu bar.