What is “proxy voting”?
Proxy voting allows you to appoint another qualified elector in your electoral district to vote on your behalf. You can vote by proxy if, for any reason, you are unable to vote in your electoral district on Election Day, or at an advance poll in your electoral district.
Who may appoint a proxy?
Any qualified elector may appoint a proxy. A qualified elector is any person who on Election Day is:
- a Canadian citizen
- 18 years of age or older, and
- a resident in an electoral district in Ontario.
Qualified electors who ceased to reside in Ontario within the two years before Election Day may still appoint a proxy provided that:
- they resided in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months before departure, and
- their last Ontario residence was in the electoral district, and
- they intend to reside in Ontario again.
Who may act as a proxy?
Any qualified elector in the electoral district where you are qualified to vote may act as a proxy.
Who should I appoint as my proxy?
Your proxy should be someone you know and can trust to vote as you ask. Your proxy must be a qualified elector in the electoral district where you are qualified to vote.
Is there a limit on the number of electors for whom a person may act as proxy?
Yes, a person may not act as proxy for more than two other electors.
May a Power of Attorney be used to appoint a proxy?
No, a Power of Attorney may not be used to appoint a proxy. The elector must personally make the appointment.
When can a proxy be appointed?
A proxy may only be appointed after the election is called. If you appointed a proxy in an earlier election, you have to make a new application for this election.
Can a proxy be appointed on Election Day?
No. The Election Act requires that all applications to vote by proxy be received in the local Elections Ontario returning office for your electoral district by 8:00 p.m. the day prior to polling day.
How do I arrange for someone to vote for me by proxy?
- First, you must fill out and sign an “Application to Vote by Proxy”. You can get this form online or your local returning office, from the administrator of your facility if you live in long-term care or a temporary shelter, or from your disability service organization.
- Your signature must be witnessed by someone other than the person you are appointing to vote by proxy. You must include a copy of your proof of your identity with your application. Refer to the Voter Identification page or call 1.888.668.8683./TTY: 1.866.273.4612, to find out what ID is needed.
- After you have completed the application form and attached a copy of your ID, you need to give it to the person you are appointing. You may also send the application form and attached a copy of your ID to the person you are appointing by mail or fax.
- Your proxy must take the application form and attached copy of your ID to the local Elections Ontario returning office for your electoral district by 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. the day prior to polling day.
- When your proxy takes the application form and attached copy of your ID to the local Elections Ontario returning office, your proxy must also show original proof of his or her identity. Refer to the Voter Identification page or call 1.888.668.8683./TTY: 1.866.273.4612, to find out what ID is needed.
- After the application is approved by the returning officer or revision assistant in the returning office, your proxy will receive a “Certificate to Vote”.
- Your proxy needs to present this Certificate and original proof of his or her identity to vote on your behalf at an advance poll or at the poll on Election Day. If your proxy is not on the voters list, he or she must present original proof of his or her identity and residence. Refer to the Voter Identification page or call 1.888.668.8683./TTY: 1.866.273.4612, to find out what ID is needed.
Can a qualified elector whose name is not on the Voters List still appoint a proxy?
Yes. The person you appoint as your proxy can have your name added to the Voters List when he or she takes your completed proxy application to the electoral district returning office. To be added, the person you are asking to add you to the list must take a copy of your ID that shows your proof of identity and proof of residence. Refer to the Voter Identification page or call 1.888.668.8683./TTY: 1.866.273.4612, to find out what ID is needed.
Can a proxy appointment be cancelled?
Yes. There are two ways to cancel your proxy appointment. You may retrieve the Certificate to Vote from the person you appointed and return it to the Returning Officer for cancellation or you may notify the Returning Officer and your proxy in writing of such a cancellation.
Can a proxy be used for anything else?
No - an appointment of a proxy is valid only for electoral purposes.
How long does the appointment of a proxy stay in effect?
No proxy remains in force after Election Day.