Ontarians vote today in a rare winter election as snowstorms, low awareness, and key issues shape the race

Thunder Bay, ON – One month after Premier Doug Ford called a snap election, Ontarians are casting their ballots today. If you haven’t already joined the 678,789 early voters, now is the time to make your voice heard.

The stakes are high—affordability, housing, health care, jobs, and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs are dominating this short campaign. Ford says he called the early election to secure a strong mandate in confronting Donald Trump, a stance few other premiers seem eager to take. Notably, two Atlantic premiers have resigned in the past week, citing, in part, the challenges of dealing with the U.S. President.

Winter Storms Could Impact Voter Turnout

Getting to the polls won’t be easy in some parts of the province. Southern and eastern Ontario have been slammed by three winter storms in just eight days, leaving some regions buried under record snowfall.

Orillia, for example, has seen enough snow to submerge a full-grown giraffe, according to The Weather Network.

This is Ontario’s first winter election in 44 years and the first held in February since 1883. Many cities are experiencing their deepest snowpack in decades, and sluggish snow removal could mean a treacherous trip to the voting station.

There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay, however the snow is forecast for tonight.

Low Awareness and Distractions Pose Additional Challenges

Beyond the weather, this election is struggling to capture public attention. Political scientists warn that reduced canvassing due to heavy snow, combined with the competing focus on the federal Liberal leadership race and Trump’s ever-shifting tariff policies, could lead to lower voter awareness. “It just seems like this is a storm of people not paying attention,” said Laura Stephenson, a political science professor at Western University. Anmoal Gill of TMU’s Dais thinktank noted that election awareness among students has been inconsistent.

Will Ontario Break the Trend of Declining Voter Turnout?

Ontario’s voter turnout has been steadily declining for decades, hitting a record low of 44% in 2022. That figure mirrors Nova Scotia’s historic low in November’s provincial election. Other provinces have seen similarly stagnant participation rates, with Saskatchewan’s October election drawing 53% turnout and New Brunswick’s at 66%. Will today’s election buck the trend, or will harsh weather and voter apathy keep people away from the polls?

With critical issues on the table, voters have until 9 p.m. ET to make their decision count.