On the initial day of early voting for the upcoming 2026 municipal election, young residents in London had the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The voting booths were accessible at both Western University and Fanshawe College campuses on October 1, allowing students to vote for candidates in London as well as their hometowns.
Alistair Sullivan, a student at Western, expressed the convenience of voting on campus, stating, “It’s just easier when it’s here to get it over and done with.” To encourage student participation, Western’s University Students Council (USC) organized a proactive “Get Out the Vote” initiative leading up to the advance voting day. The campaign involved candidate meetups, election-themed trivia games, and social media promotions on voting.
Stephen Titizian, USC’s vice president of external affairs, highlighted the importance of student engagement in city matters, emphasizing the impact of city hall decisions on students. Titizian estimated that around 100 politically active students attended a Pints and Politics event, while a broader student base interacted with trivia games and giveaways on campus, some of whom were previously unaware of the election.
Advance voting allows Londoners to cast their ballots at any open advance voting location regardless of their ward. Eligible voters should bring their voter notification card or acceptable identification showing their name and London address, including student accommodation details. The advance voting period extends until October 10, with Voting Day scheduled for October 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Some students, like Nicholas Yetming from Huron University College, plan to wait until election day to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their policies before voting. Medical sciences students, Tatyana Wong and Renee Ramcharan, expressed newfound interest in voting due to the USC’s campaign efforts.
Safety and downtown revitalization emerged as critical election issues for students, with concerns ranging from public transit and housing costs to community safety. Students like John Heras and Tatyana Wong emphasized the importance of feeling safe in the downtown London area, highlighting the need for improvements in sanitation and safety measures.
Students like Alistair Sullivan emphasized the importance of downtown economic revitalization in their voting decisions, supporting candidates with promises to enhance business activity in the city center. As early voting continues until October 10 and the official Voting Day on October 26 approaches, students are encouraged to research candidates and ensure they are prepared to exercise their voting rights on election day.