The 2025 Provincial election, explained

An election has been called in Ontario, what does that mean?

A provincial election has been called for February 27, 2025 which means that people across Ontario will be voting to elect members of provincial parliament who will represent them in the legislative assembly.

Most candidates belong to a political party, the members of which are largely united in a set of shared values and priorities. There are many parties in Ontario but the ones most represented in parliament are the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, the Ontario Liberal Party, the Ontario New Democratic Party and the Green Party of Ontario. The party that wins the most ridings (sometimes called an electoral district or a “seat”) across Ontario will form a government and the party leader will become the premier of the province. Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford is the current premier of Ontario.

What does the provincial government do?

In Canada, provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the delivery of services like healthcare, education and the maintenance and construction of infrastructure like highways and some public transit.

WHo can vote in this election?

To vote in the upcoming provincial election, you must be 18 or older, be a Canadian citizen and a resident of Ontario.

Those with refugee status, or who are temporary or permanent residents aren’t eligible to vote but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the election.

Getting involved can be as simple as speaking to your friends and family about the election, and the issues that are important to you. You can also sign up to volunteer with a candidates campaign. Often, volunteers are tasked with things like phone banking (making cold calls), door knocking and more!

WHO IS RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

The leaders of the major parties who are running to become premier are:

You can figure out what riding you’re in and who the candidates are in your area here!

How Do I know who to vote for?

You should think about what issues are most important to you, and how each candidate might align with your values. You can also read about what actions those already in office have taken in the last three years.

Global News has also put together a promise tracker to track each party’s promises they’ve made throughout the election period.

You can also watch the Ontario party leaders debate here.

HOW CAN I VOTE?

You don’t have to have a voter information card in order to vote, but it helps simplify the process and get you on the registered voters list. To get your voter information card, you can register to vote below:

The last day to register to vote is February 17, though you don’t have to be registered in order to vote.

There are a few different ways that you can vote in this election, in addition to casting your ballot in person on election day (February 27).

Voting by mail

You can apply to vote by mail before February 21 at 6 PM (Eastern Time). Once approved, you will receive your voting kit in the mail. Elections Ontario must receive your completed voting kit by 6 PM (Eastern Time) on February 27 to be counted. Your voting kit will include a write-in ballot on which you will have to write the candidate’s given name (or initials) and surname.

Here’s the list of IDs you can provide in order to apply to vote by mail.

Advance polls

You can vote at any advance voting location in your electoral district from 10 AM to 8 PM (Eastern Time) from February 20 to 22. You can find your advance voting locations here!

Don’t forget to bring your ID!

Voting in person on election day

Enter your postal code into the Elections Ontario website to find out where your assigned voting location will be. The polls will be open from 9 AM to 9 PM on February 27. Don’t forget to bring your ID!

What identification can I use to vote in person?

If you have a voter information card, you must bring it as well as one piece of ID with your name on it. (You can see the full list of accepted IDs here.) You do not have to provide photo ID and your photo does not need to match your current appearance.

If you don’t have a voter information card, you need to bring one piece of ID with both your name and home address (see the full list here).

Don’t have a drivers licence? An Ontario photo card has both your name and address on it and is accepted. However, your health card does not include your address and can’t be used as ID on it’s own (unless you have a voter information card). Instead, you can bring pieces of mail with your name and address on them such as a bank or credit card statement, pay stub, tuition or fee statement, lease or rental statement and more! You can see the full list here.

Don’t have an address?

You can still vote! The place where you have slept or eaten the most in the last five weeks is considered to be your address. Administrators of shelters, food banks, and community health care facilities can provide voters without a permanent address a temporary form of ID that you can use to vote. (More information can be found here)

If you are a Charlie’s FreeWheels participant who doesn’t have a permanent address, please get in touch with us at info@charliesfreewheels.ca and we will help you get a temporary ID to vote!

WHAT ABOUT BIKES?

Cycling infrastructure and active transportation are an important election issue. If bikes are important to you, you should take a look at party’s platforms to see who best aligns with your values.

Cycling hasn't been a major focus for most of the campaign announcements we've seen, but you can reach out to your local candidate to understand their priorities and share your views with them. Your voice matters!

Get involved!

Campaign offices, phone numbers, emails, and social media are your direct connection to your local candidate. Don't be afraid to drop in to one in your neighbourhood to learn about their priorities and share your views.