Register of Absentee Electors
Electors who are temporarily living outside the province can be added to the Register of Absentee Electors. Electors on the register are sent a special ballot kit to vote by mail whenever an election in their electoral district is called.
You can add your name to the Register of Absentee Electors anytime if you:
- are 18 years of age or older
- are a Canadian citizen
- moved out of the province less than two years before election day
- had lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months before you left, and
- are planning to return to Ontario
You are exempt from the two-year time limit if one or more of the following apply:
- You are on active duty as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces
- You are working for the Government of Canada or Ontario
- You are attending an educational institution
- You are an immediate family member of any of the above
To have your name added to the Register of Absentee Electors, complete an application form and return it to us with a copy of one piece of identification.
You can submit your completed application form using one of the following three options:
- Scan your application form and one piece of identification and email them as an attachment to sb@elections.on.ca
- Mail your application form and a photocopy of one piece of identification to Elections Ontario, Special Ballot, 51 Rolark Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1R 3B1
- Fax your application form and a copy of one piece of identification to 1-416-212-8723 or toll free in Canada and USA at 1-888-483-4448
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, your name will be added to the Register of Absentee Electors. When an election in your electoral district is called, a special ballot kit with a write-in ballot will be mailed to you at the mailing address provided in your application.
During an election, we must receive your application and a copy of one piece of identification by 6:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) six days before election day.
You will be unable to choose another voting option once your application has been approved.
We use a courier service to mail ballots. In order for you to receive your ballot within two to three days, your mailing address must be a physical address. If your mailing address includes a Post Office Box, your ballot may be delayed by up to two weeks.
You are responsible for the postage to return your ballot and you need to ensure you leave enough time for it to arrive at Elections Ontario by 6:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) on election day.