How to vote in the Winnipeg municipal election

Winnipeggers will soon be heading to the polls to cast their ballot in this year’s municipal council and school boards election. Here’s what you need to know about where, when and how to vote.

When is the 2026 municipal election?

Election day is Wednesday, Oct. 28. You can find your polling station and the hours it will be open here by entering your address.

If you would like to vote before election day, advance polling stations are now open. You can find a voting location and the hours they are open here.

You can apply to vote by mail until Oct. 25.

Who is eligible to vote?

To be able to vote for mayor or councillor, you must be

• a Canadian citizen; and
• 18 years of age or older on election day; and
• a resident of the City of Winnipeg or property owner since April 28, 2026.

To vote for school trustee, you must also be a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age or older on election day, plus:

• a resident of the school division for a period of at least six months (since April 28, 2026); and
• a resident in the school division ward on election day.

If you are not a resident, you do not have the right to vote for school trustee. Additionally, a registered owner of land who does not reside in the school division does not have the right to vote for school trustee. Boundaries for school division wards can be found here.

What do I need to vote?

To check if you are registered to vote, you can search the City of Winnipeg’s voter list. If you are on the list, you should receive a voter’s notice in the mail ahead of the election, which is intended to streamline the voting process at polling stations.

If you are not on the voter’s list, you can still vote if you meet the eligibility requirements. You will have to take an oath before casting your ballot.

You must show proof of name and address to vote, whether you are on the voter’s list or not. Valid identification includes a single piece of ID that shows the voter’s name and current home address, or two documents that together show the name and current home address.

Acceptable documents include a voter’s notice, driver’s licence, enhanced identification card, SIN card, birth certificate, Canadian passport, credit or debit card, utility bill, health insurance card, or blank personalized cheque. Other options that prove your identity can be found here.

Who are the candidates and what are they promising?

There are 12 names on the ballot in Winnipeg’s mayoral race.

A list of candidates running for each of the city’s 15 council wards can be found here.

A list of candidates for school trustee is also available.

The Free Press has started publishing ward profiles. If you want information about the candidates running in your area, keep an eye out for your ward.

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For information on the candidates and their election promises, follow along with our coverage.