Youth Election Engagement

Municipal decisions shape the places where we live, work, study, and connect. Whether you're voting for the first time or looking for ways to get involved in your community, this page is here to help you learn more about local government and civic engagement as a youth.

First Time Voter Information

Am I Eligible to Vote?

To vote in a municipal election in Ontario, you must be:

A Canadian citizen
At least 18 years old on voting day
A resident of Ontario
A resident, tenant, landowner, or spouse of a landowner or tenant in the municipality

After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to register with Elections Ontario.

Students Living Away From Home

Post-secondary students may be eligible to vote in both the municipality where they attend school and the municipality they consider their permanent home address, provided they meet voter eligibility requirements.

Students may:

Vote in the municipality where they attend school
Vote in their home municipality

A person may only vote once for each office being elected.

Students should review voter eligibility requirements carefully before voting, as well as how voting works in each respective municipality.

Registering to vote is the first step in the voting process! All residents of the Township of Hamilton must be on the Register of Voters to cast a ballot during municipal elections.

Now you can register once to vote in both provincial and local elections. Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca for information on eligibility, registration, and how to confirm, update, or add yourself to the Register.

How to Vote

The Township of Hamilton will be using telephone/internet voting for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Each person on the voters' list shall be mailed a sealed Voter Information Letter containing:

Personal Identification Number (PIN), the telephone number(s) to call to cast a vote, and the designated internet address (URL) to access to cast a vote online
Instructions on how to vote by internet or telephone
Dates and hours of voting
The locations and hours of the Voter Help Centres

Each pin may only be used once. You will only receive a Voter Information Letter if you register to vote.

Learn About the Candidates

Being an informed voter means learning about the candidates, local issues, and priorities that matter most to you and your community. Municipal government decisions can impact services and programs used every day, including roads, parks, recreation, libraries, community events, and local development.

Ways to learn more include:

Reading candidate profiles and campaign materials
Following local news and municipal updates
Reviewing community priorities and municipal initiatives

View the Unofficial List of Candidates

Municipal Government: Frequently Asked Questions

What does municipal government do?

Municipal government is responsible for many local services used every day, including roads, parks, recreation programs, snow removal, emergency services, libraries, community events, municipal budgets, and more!

What does municipal government not control?

Municipal government focuses on local services and community issues. Some responsibilities are handled by the provincial or federal government instead.

For example, municipal governments generally do not manage:

Healthcare and hospitals
Passports and immigration
National defence
Criminal law
Provincial highways

These responsibilities are primarily managed by the Ontario provincial government or the federal government of Canada.

Why do municipal elections matter?

Municipal elections help decide who will make important local decisions about community priorities, services, infrastructure, and future planning. These decisions can directly impact residents of all ages.

How are municipal decisions made?

Municipal decisions are typically discussed during Council meetings where members of Council debate issues, ask questions, and vote on recommendations, policies, and projects.

What is the difference between the Mayor and Council members?

The Mayor serves as the head of Council and helps provide leadership for the municipality. Council members represent the community and work together with the Mayor to make decisions on municipal matters.

What kinds of things can residents speak to Council about?

Residents can share feedback, concerns, and ideas about topics such as parks, roads, community programs, development projects, events, and other local issues that affect the community.

How can I stay informed about what is happening locally?

Residents can stay informed by following municipal social media channels, reading Council agendas and minutes, attending public meetings, visiting the municipal website, or subscribing to municipal newsletters and updates.

Can youth participate in local government before they are eligible to vote?

Yes! Youth can participate by attending meetings, volunteering at community events, joining local initiatives, participating in public engagement opportunities, and learning more about local issues and decision-making.

16 and 17-year-olds may also enter the Register of Future Voters which allows youth to automatically be added to the voters list when they turn 18.

Why is community involvement important?

Community involvement helps ensure different perspectives and ideas are considered when making decisions. Getting involved can help strengthen the community and shape its future!