Haven't received your voter information card? Don't panic

CBC

24-02-2025

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Some Ottawa residents have yet to receive their voter information cards ahead of Ontario's provincial election on Thursday, leaving them confused about how to cast their ballot.
Elections Ontario says on its website voter information cards were mailed via Canada Post between Feb. 17 and 22, meaning some could still be on their way.
In an email, Canada Post explained that it handles a large volume of election materials, including approximately 10.5 million voter information cards. Due to the recent snowstorm, some areas in the province may be experiencing delivery delays.
However, if your card doesn't arrive in time, you can still cast a ballot by bringing a piece of identification with your name and home address to your assigned voting location.
You can determine your assigned voting location by entering your postal code into the Elections Ontario electoral district search bar.
Challenges with a snap election
John Beebe, founder of the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, explained that in a snap election it's difficult to keep people informed about the election process.
"I think not having the voter information cards is a challenge. It's the one piece of information everybody gets to know, when, where, and ways to vote," Beebe said.
While voters can still cast a ballot without it, delays in delivery may shake voter confidence, he explained, adding that he believes more time should have been given to prepare for the election — both for officials and for voters.
"Having another week or two would make a difference. And I think that's what we're seeing here," Beebe said. "We have a shorter election period with a snap election."
Combating misinformation
Barrhaven resident Brenda Wood has been trying to combat online misinformation about voter cards.
After she noticed social media posts incorrectly stating people must have a voter information card to cast a ballot, she decided to take action.
"People just weren't sure," Wood said. "They were like, 'What do I do if the card doesn't come for the election next Thursday?'"
Wood took to her neighbourhood Facebook group in the hopes of helping others navigate voting.
"I was just motivated to post because I want to see more people getting out and going to vote and not feeling like they don't have enough information, or they don't qualify to make a choice," she said.
Wood, who hadn't received her card yet, participated without any issues in the advanced voting period, which took place from Feb. 20 to 22.
Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.