A.M Results is being supported by the Democratic Engagement Exchange’s Voice the Vote Initiative to deliver community-based, civic engagement workshops to strengthen local democracy ahead of Ontario’s municipal elections on October 26, 2026.
Continuing our work to support civic engagement and advance democratic efforts, A.M Results has partnered with community organizations to deliver municipal elections workshops to residents of the Scarborough community. These workshops will educate and prepare Torontonians to make an informed choice on election day by providing non-partisan information, supported by research and data to community members. Workshops will focus on Toronto’s municipal governance system; helping residents develop literacy and comfortability with seeking out information on key issues and candidates, as well as navigating the election process, and associated media reporting and coverage.
Workshops will also incorporate key pieces from our Ontario Municipal Election Guide, with the goal of increasing public awareness about how recent municipal governance changes impact key decision-makers on local councils, particularly with the introduction of strong mayor powers. Since 2018, with the initial passing of Bill 5; these changes impact the way municipalities are able to make decisions and exercise their autonomy. Workshops will highlight why these changes make casting a vote even more significant than before.
During the 2022 municipal election, voter turnout in Toronto was 29%. A year later, with a surprise by-election, voters went to the polls once again, with a turnout of 39%. The increase of 8% in just a year, while notable, still falls short of the majority. Through these workshops and partnership with community, A.M Results will work to further increase efforts to mobilize voters — turning engagement into action to increase turnout at the polls.
However as emphasized in A.M Results’ open letter, “While an increase in voter turnout would presume that outreach efforts are successful, perhaps a different metric should be used for consideration. Possibly, providing people with information regardless of their decision to act out a choice on October 26th. That the preservation of our democratic system is one worth discussing and highlighting, and how this system allows for further participation in-between elections.“
To help make each workshop be successful, Voice the Vote has provided resources, materials and activations to enhance the learning experience and make the information presented more accessible to the public.