2026 Municipal Election – Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Municipal Election – Frequently Asked Questions

Township of Jocelyn
Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Advance Poll: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Voting Location: Jocelyn Township Office, 3670 5th Side Road, Hilton Beach


 

  1. How do I know if I am on the Voters’ List?

You can contact the Township Office to confirm whether your name is on the Voters’ List.

If your name is missing or information is incorrect, you can complete an Application to Amend the Voters’ List.

The form is available:

  • On the Township website at www.jocelyn.ca
  • In hard copy at the Township Office.

Under Ontario’s rules, changes to the Voters’ List can be requested from September 1 until the close of voting on October 26, 2026.


 

  1. What if I discover that my name is NOT on the Voters’ List?

You can still take steps to vote.

You must have your name added to the Voters’ List before you can cast a ballot. You can complete the Application to Amend the Voters’ List through the Township Clerk. This can also be done at the polling station when you arrive to vote.

If you discover the issue when you arrive to vote, please speak with an election official. You will be asked to complete the appropriate application and provide proof that you are eligible to vote.

Important: Simply having identification does not replace being on the Voters’ List.


 

  1. What identification do I need to vote?

You must provide identification showing your name.

Address can be verified by documents.

Photo identification is not required.

Examples of acceptable identification and address verification include:

  • Ontario Driver’s Licence
  • Ontario Photo Card
  • Property tax assessment
  • Property tax bill
  • Mortgage statement
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Insurance statement
  • Utility bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government document
  • Income tax assessment

Other documents listed at https://www.elections.on.ca/en/voting-in-ontario/id-to-vote-in-provincial-elections.html#accordionIDtovote


 

  1. What if I don’t have photo ID?

That’s okay.

Photo identification is not required. You need acceptable identification showing your name and address.

If your name is already on the Voters’ List but you do not have identification, Ontario’s 2026 Voters’ Guide also provides for a Declaration of Identity in certain circumstances. Election staff can explain the process when you arrive.


 

  1. I am a seasonal resident/cottager. Can I vote in Jocelyn?

Yes.

If you own or rent property in Jocelyn but live somewhere else, you may qualify as a non-resident elector.

You must meet the eligibility requirements and be able to establish your qualifying property address. For example, a property tax bill may be used as identification showing your name and address.

Ontario recognizes resident electors, non-resident electors and spouses of non-resident electors as possible categories of municipal electors.


 

  1. I live somewhere else but own a cottage/property in Jocelyn. Can I vote?

If you own or rent property in Jocelyn and meet the requirements for an eligible non-resident elector as per the Municipal Elections Act, you are eligible to vote in Jocelyn’s municipal election.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please contact the Township Office before voting day. The Clerk is responsible for determining whether a person is eligible to be included on the Voters’ List.


 

  1. My spouse owns property in Jocelyn, but my name isn’t on the property. Can I vote?

Yes.

You may qualify as the spouse of a non-resident elector, provided the applicable eligibility requirements are met.

If you are unsure, contact the Township Office before voting day so staff can help determine what documentation is required.


 

  1. Can I vote if I rent a property in Jocelyn?

Yes.

A person who rents property in a municipality may qualify as a resident and eligible elector, subject to limitations in the Municipal Elections Act.

A lease or rental agreement can also be an acceptable form of identification showing your name and address.


 

  1. Can I vote if I recently moved to Jocelyn?

If you meet the eligibility requirements and your information is not correctly reflected on the Voters’ List, you can apply to have your information added or corrected.

Please bring identification showing your name and qualifying Jocelyn address.


 

  1. Can I vote at the Advance Poll?

Yes.

Jocelyn’s advance poll will be:

Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Jocelyn Township Office

You will need to provide the required identification.


 

  1. What if I cannot vote on October 26, 2026?

Jocelyn is offering an advance poll on October 17, 2026.

If you are unable to attend either the advance poll or Election Day, please contact the Township Office to discuss whether another voting option applies to your circumstances.

Ontario municipalities determine the alternative voting methods they offer.


 

  1. Does Jocelyn offer Internet or telephone voting?

No.

For the 2026 municipal election, Jocelyn Township will use in-person paper ballot voting, an advance poll, and mail in voting for those located off of St. Joseph Island.


 

  1. Does Jocelyn offer voting by mail?

Jocelyn has provisions for restricted mail-in voting for eligible non-resident electors who are living off St. Joseph Island.

Please contact the Township Office in advance for the applicable registration and mailing requirements.


 

  1. Can I just mail my ballot to the Township if I cannot attend?

No.

Mail-in voting is only available to eligible electors who have followed Jocelyn Township’s mail-in voting process and received the appropriate voting materials.

Please contact the Township Office before mailing anything to ensure you have been properly registered and provided with the required instructions.


 

  1. Can I drop my mail-in ballot into the Township’s office drop box?

No.

Mail-in ballots must be returned according to the instructions provided with the voting package. Please do not place election ballots in a general Township drop box unless specifically instructed to do so by the Clerk.


 

  1. What happens if I forget my ID?

If your name is on the Voters’ List but you do not have acceptable identification, election staff can explain the available process, including the Declaration of Identity where applicable.

If you are unsure, bring whatever government or financial document you have that shows your name and address and speak with election staff.


 

  1. Does my identification need to have my current Jocelyn address?

No. If your ID does not establish your qualifying address, you need to provide documentation that does. Example : showing your Driver’s License as well as a Property Tax Bill.

For example, a seasonal property owner may use documentation showing their qualifying Jocelyn property address.


 

  1. Can I use my Canadian passport as identification?

A Canadian passport is not an acceptable identification document for this purpose, because the address inside a passport is written in by the passport holder.

Bring an additional document showing your name and address.


 

  1. What if my name is spelled incorrectly on the Voters’ List?

You can request that your information be corrected by completing an Application to Amend the Voters’ List.

The Clerk can make corrections to information on the list where the requirements are met.


 

  1. What if I am listed at the wrong address?

Contact the Township Office.

You can apply to have information on the Voters’ List corrected. This is particularly important for people who have recently moved or for electors whose qualifying property information has changed.


 

  1. Can I vote in Jocelyn AND in the municipality where I live?

Yes.

For example, a person who lives in another municipality but owns or rents qualifying property in Jocelyn may be eligible as a non-resident elector.

Ontario allows an eligible person to be a resident elector in one municipality and a non-resident elector in another municipality or municipalities where they own or rent qualifying property.

However, you cannot vote more than once in the same municipal election.


 

  1. I own property in more than one municipality. Can I vote in each municipality?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to vote in each municipality where you qualify as a non-resident elector.

You should contact each municipality if you are unsure of your eligibility.


 

  1. Can I vote for someone else?

No.

You cannot vote on behalf of another person simply because you are their spouse, family member, caregiver, Power of Attorney or executor.

The only way to vote on another person’s behalf is through the formal voting proxy process.


 

  1. Can my Power of Attorney vote for me?

No.

Having Power of Attorney does not give someone the right to cast another person’s municipal election ballot.

A person must use the formal voting proxy process if they are unable to vote personally.


 

  1. What if I have mobility or accessibility concerns?

Please let election staff know what assistance you require.

Jocelyn Township is committed to providing an accessible voting experience. If you have questions about accessibility at the voting location or require assistance, contact the Township Office before voting day whenever possible.


 

  1. Can someone help me mark my ballot?

If you require assistance, please speak with an election official. Election legislation provides processes for voters who require assistance when voting.

Election staff are there to help ensure that eligible voters can participate independently and privately to the greatest extent possible.


 

  1. Can someone tell me who to vote for?

Election staff must remain neutral.

Township staff can explain the voting process, eligibility requirements, identification requirements and other election procedures, but cannot recommend or campaign for candidates.


 

  1. Where can I find information about the candidates?

Candidates are responsible for their own campaign information.

The Township can provide official information about the election process, voting dates, locations and procedures, but does not endorse or recommend candidates.


 

  1. Why is the Township asking people to contact the office instead of relying on information from neighbours or social media?

Election rules can be specific, particularly when dealing with seasonal residents, non-resident electors, identification and the Voters’ List.

If you have an election question, please contact the Township Office directly. This helps ensure that everyone receives the same accurate, official information.


 

  1. What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

 

Election questions: Please contact the Township Office directly so that staff can provide the appropriate information for your circumstances.

Please contact the Township of Jocelyn Office.

Township of Jocelyn
3670 5th Side Road
Hilton Beach, ON
705-246-2025
www.jocelyn.ca

Email: admin@jocelyn.ca

Election questions: Please contact the Township Office directly so that staff can provide the appropriate information for your circumstances.

 

A copy of this information sheet is available at the following link:

2026 Municipal Election – FAQ’s