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Election Services


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The main function of Election Services is to ensure that the following electoral processes are done with the greatest integrity:

  • Municipal Elections
  • By-elections
  • Referendums
  • Appointments of Council vacancies
  • School Board Trustees

We abide by the following principles when conducting the City's election:

  • The secrecy and confidentiality of the voting process is paramount;
  • The election shall be fair and must not favour one candidate over another;
  • The election shall be accessible to the voters;
  • The integrity of the process shall be maintained throughout the election;
  • The proper majority vote decides the election, which is achieved by ensuring, so far as is reasonably possible, that valid votes be counted and invalid votes be rejected; and
  • Voters and candidates shall be treated fairly and consistently.

Responsibilities during an election year include: making elections accessible to all, voter information, and outreach, ward logistics, candidate services and administration of financial disclosure and rebate requirements. During an election year, we hire close to 10,000 staff. We encourage all Torontonians to apply for positions during an election year.

The expertise and equipment of Election Services are available to other agencies through our contract election services. Support has been given to municipal elections in several provinces, and for an Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership convention. Contracted services provide a source of revenue for the City and give staff the opportunity to observe and learn from the election administration of other organizations.