Toronto Mayoral Election 2026: Employee Rights and Voting Information

Toronto’s next mayoral election takes place on Monday, October 26, 2026. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re working on election day, Ontario law protects your right to have enough time to vote.

Here’s when you can vote, who is eligible and whether your employer must give you paid time off.

On This Page:

• Election Date and Voting Hours
• Who Can Vote?
• Time Off Work to Vote
• Can Your Employer Penalize You?
• Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Next Toronto Mayoral Election?

The 2026 Toronto mayoral election is Monday, October 26, 2026. Voting takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Toronto residents will vote for mayor, city councillors and school board trustees.

Visit the City of Toronto Elections website to find your voting location and check voter information.

Who Can Vote in the Toronto Mayoral Election?

You can vote in Toronto’s 2026 municipal election if you:

• Are a Canadian citizen
• Are at least 18 years old on election day
• Live in Toronto, or you or your spouse own or rent qualifying property in the city
• Are not legally prohibited from voting

You must vote at your assigned voting location. Check the city’s election website for details.

Does Your Employer Have to Give You Time Off to Vote in Toronto?

Yes, if your work schedule doesn’t already give you three consecutive hours to vote while polls are open.

Under Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act, eligible employees must have a three-hour voting window. If work interferes with that window, the employer must provide enough time off to create it.

This doesn’t mean everyone automatically gets three paid hours off work.

Examples of Time Off to Vote

• You work 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: You have four consecutive hours after work to vote. Your employer doesn’t have to give you additional time off.
• You work 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: You don’t have three consecutive hours free while polls are open. Your employer must adjust your schedule, such as allowing you to leave at 5 p.m. to vote before 8 p.m.
• You work noon to 8 p.m.: You have two hours before work. Your employer could let you start at 1 p.m., giving you three consecutive hours to vote between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Your employer can decide when the required time off is taken, provided you receive the three-hour voting window.

For a broader explanation covering municipal, provincial and federal elections, see our guide to Time Off to Vote in Ontario.

Can Your Employer Deduct Pay or Penalize You for Voting?

No. If your employer is legally required to give you time off to vote, it can’t deduct your pay or impose a penalty because of that absence.

If you need time off, request it in writing before election day. Include your scheduled hours and explain why you don’t have three consecutive hours available to vote.

If your employer refuses, threatens discipline or fires you for exercising your voting rights, keep copies of your schedule and communications.

Employees who lose their jobs may be entitled to severance pay Ontario or other compensation totaling as much as 24 months’ pay.

Toronto Mayoral Election 2026: Employee FAQs

Is the Toronto Mayoral Election a Paid Holiday?

No. Election day isn’t a statutory holiday in Ontario. However, your employer must provide paid time off if it’s necessary to give you three consecutive hours to vote.

Can I Leave Work Early to Vote?

Yes, if your schedule doesn’t provide three consecutive voting hours. However, your employer can choose when to provide the required time off. Don’t leave without discussing it first.

Do I Have to Use Vacation Time to Vote?

No. If you’re legally entitled to time off to vote, your employer can’t require you to lose pay for that absence.

What if My Employer Refuses to Let Me Vote?

Put your request in writing and keep a copy. Ontario law prohibits employers from penalizing employees for taking the voting time they’re legally entitled to.

Know Your Employment Rights in Toronto

Your employer can’t prevent you from exercising your legal voting rights. If a workplace dispute leads to discipline, reduced pay or termination, you may have legal options.

The Toronto employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees understand their rights and recover compensation they’re legally owed.

Before you sign, always check first.

Can My Employer Penalize Me for Voting?

No. Your employer can’t deduct pay, withhold pay, or penalize you in any way for taking time off to vote.

If you’re fired or punished for exercising this right, you could be owed full Ontario severance pay and possibly additional compensation for reprisal.

Our experienced Toronto employment lawyers can help you understand your options and ensure you receive what you’re legally owed.

How to Request Time Off to Vote

To avoid confusion, it’s best to make your time-off request in writing.

This provides a clear record of your communication and your employer’s approval.

Key Takeaways for Employees in Toronto

• 🗳️ Election Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
• 🕙 Voting Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• 👥 Eligibility: Canadian citizens aged 18+ who live in or own property in Toronto
• 🕒 Paid Time Off: Three consecutive hours to vote
• 🚫 No Penalties: Employers cannot deduct pay or punish employees for voting

Learn More About Your Rights

If your employer refuses to give you time off or penalizes you for voting, contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our Toronto employment lawyers help non-unionized employees across Ontario understand and protect their workplace rights.

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.