Ontario’s Advance Voter Turnout Plummets to Just 6% Amid Snap Election

In a stark shift from previous provincial elections, only 6.14% of eligible voters in Ontario cast their ballots during the advance voting period for this year’s snap election, according to preliminary data from Elections Ontario. The turnout equates to 678,789 voters taking advantage of the early voting days on February 20, 21, and 22.

This marks a notable decline compared to the 2022 general election, where 1,066,545 voters (9.92%) participated in advance voting over 10 days. In 2018, 6.8% of voters (698,609 individuals) utilized the five-day early voting window. The shortened advance voting period this year, reduced to just three days, is seen as a key factor contributing to the drop in early voter engagement.

Elections Ontario has indicated that approximately 10.8 million people are eligible to vote in the upcoming election, which is set to take place on Thursday. Voters still have the opportunity to cast their ballots at their local election offices until Wednesday and at their designated polling stations until 9 p.m. on election day.

Ontario’s advance voting turnout aligns with a broader trend of declining voter participation in Canadian snap elections. Last fall, Nova Scotia witnessed a historic low in voter engagement during its early election, with just 45% of eligible voters participating. This represented a 10-percentage-point drop from the 2021 election and the first instance where turnout fell below 50% in the province.

Experts suggest that the timing of snap elections can significantly impact voter turnout.

With advance voting now closed, political parties are shifting their focus to mobilizing voters for election day. Grassroots campaigns, social media pushes, and last-minute outreach efforts are being ramped up to drive turnout.

Elections Ontario is also encouraging eligible voters to make their voices heard. “Every vote counts, and we urge Ontarians to participate in this democratic process,” a spokesperson said.

As the province heads to the polls, all eyes will be on whether Thursday’s turnout can compensate for the slow start during advance voting—or if Ontario will follow Nova Scotia’s lead in setting new records for voter apathy.