Planning to advance vote? Here are 5 things you need to know

While election day is on October 28, you don’t have to wait until then to cast your ballot. Advance voting is on until October 23 for the 2026 Municipal Council and School Boards Election.

Voting in advance means you can cast your ballot at a time and location that works best for you. You’ll also avoid any potential lineups on election day. In the 2022 election, a record 41,895 voters cast their ballots in advance.

We want to make sure the voting process is as smooth as possible for everyone. Here are a few things you should know before heading out to the polls.

Am I eligible to vote?

Make sure to confirm you’re eligible for a ballot before heading to the polls.

To be eligible to vote for Mayor and Councillor in this election, you must a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on October 28, and an actual resident or property owner in the City of Winnipeg since April 28, 2026.

The same eligibility applies when voting for School Trustee, with the added requirement of being an actual resident in the school division ward on October 28.

When can I vote?

You can vote in advance until October 23 at 4 p.m. Operating dates and times differ depending on the advance voting location. Make sure to check when the polling station will be open and plan your day accordingly.

This election, we’re pleased to be providing more opportunities for eligible voters to cast their ballots in advance. Community advance voting locations will now be open for four days, up from three days in recent elections.

If you’d like to vote by mail, you have until October 25 at 4:30 p.m. to apply for a sealed envelope ballot. Completed ballots must be returned to the Susan A Thompson Building at 510 Main Street by October 26 at 8 p.m. They won’t be accepted at any voting location.

Where do I vote?

There are 23 general advance voting locations open to the public, including at City Hall, inside select shopping malls, and at community centres in each of the 15 Council wards.

You can vote at various advance voting locations around Winnipeg that work best for you.

You can search your address to find the location closest to you, or check out the complete list of advance voting locations.

During the advance voting period, election staff will also visit hospitals, care homes, post-secondary schools, and other locations to offer people who use the facilities the opportunity to vote.

What should I bring?

If you have your voter’s notice, make sure to bring it with you to ensure a quicker and easier voting experience. Before heading out to vote, also double check you have your id with you, and it meets the requirements.

You must show proof of your name and current address. There are two options for what you can show.

You can either show one piece of government-issued identification that has your photo, name, and address or two pieces of authorized identification that together provide evidence of your name and current address. Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address. Check out the list of types of ID accepted at the polls.

Who is on the ballot?

There are 12 candidates running for Mayor, 54 total candidates for Councillor, and more than 90 total candidates for School Trustee. The list of nominated candidates for Mayor, Councillor, and School Trustee is shown in the order the names will appear on the ballot.

If you can’t vote in advance, your next opportunity will be on election day, Wednesday, October 28. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Election results will start to be posted on our election website shortly after 8 p.m.

Learn more about the election

The election is the largest single-day customer service initiative we deliver. Armbruster joined Our City, Our Podcast in January to discuss how you plan an election.

You can listen in the player below or wherever you get your podcasts.