With Ontario’s general election set for February 27, early voter turnout is trailing behind previous years, according to Elections Ontario.
Preliminary figures released Monday show that 678,789 voters cast their ballot during the three-day advance voting period, representing 6.14% of eligible voters.
This marks a decline from 2022, when 1,066,545 voters (9.92%) participated over 10 days of advance voting. In 2018, 698,609 voters (6.8%) cast ballots over five days.
Despite the decline, Greg Essensa, Ontario’s chief electoral officer, thanked those who voted early and encouraged others to make their voices heard.
“If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, there’s still time — visit your local election office or vote on election day,” said Essensa.
While Election Day is February 27, eligible voters can still cast their ballot early at their local returning office before polls officially close.
For more information on where and how to vote, visit the Elections Ontario website or check your local election office.