Vote by Special Mail-in Ballot

Any eligible elector may apply to vote by special mail-in ballot from September 1 to September 15 at 4:30 pm. An elector’s name must appear on or be added to the Voters’ List in order to apply and receive a special mail-in ballot.

Apply online

Electors can apply to vote by mail using the online application tool .

Note: The tool will require each elector to confirm that their name appears on the Voters' List before completing the special mail-in ballot application.

Apply in person, by mail, or by email

Applicants can download and submit a completed application form:

• To the Elections Office in person or by mail (1221 Cyrville Road, Unit B); or by email at elections@ottawa.ca .
  • Electors are strongly encouraged to use the Am I on the Voters’ List tool or contact the Elections Office to confirm their elector information before submitting an application in person, by mail, or by email.
• In person at any Client Service Center during regular business hours.

Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on September 15 in order to be processed.

Special Ballot Voter Kits

Special Ballot Voter Kits will be mailed to electors voting by mail the week of September 21. If you have not received your special mail-in ballot voter kit by September 28, please contact the Elections Office.

Each special mail-in ballot voter kit includes:

• One ballot
• One voting instruction sheet
• One white Secrecy Envelope
• One Voter Declaration Form
• One yellow Return Envelope with prepaid postage (within Canada).

Electors can choose to mail their completed Special Ballot Voter Kit to the Elections Office or deliver it to the Elections Office or any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre during business hours. The Elections Office and Client Service Centres will offer extended hours during advance voting events for the purpose of certifying proxy forms and receiving special mail in ballots:

• October 1-4 from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
• October 16 from 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Completed Special Ballot Voter Kits must be received by 8 pm on October 16. Special Ballot Voter Kits received after the deadline will not be counted.

Voting opportunities

Electors can appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf. A proxy must be an eligible elector and can still cast their own ballot.

A proxy can vote for only one other person unless they are representing members of their own family. A proxy appointed for a person who is not a family member can act as the proxy for this person only. A person cannot be appointed as a proxy for a non-family member and a family member at the same time.

Appointing a proxy

An elector can appoint a proxy from September 1 to October 26 at 4:30 pm. To vote by proxy:

1. The elector and their proxy must fill out two copies of the designated Appointment for Voting Proxy form .
2. The proxy must take the completed forms to the Elections Office or any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre, during regular business hours and have it certified by City of Ottawa staff.
   • The Elections Office and City of Ottawa Client Service Centre will offer extended hours during advance voting events for the purpose of certifying proxy forms and receiving special mail in ballots:
     • October 1-4 from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
     • October 16 from 8:30 am to 8 pm.
3. The proxy brings the original copy of the Appointment for Voting Proxy form that was certified and a piece of personal identification to the voting place to cast a ballot on the elector’s behalf.