It’s election day (February 27, 2025) in the Province of Ontario and it’s your duty as a citizen to cast a ballot.

Ridings throughout the province will have candidates from the Progressive Conservatives, Liberal Party, National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Green Party.

Meanwhile, in some ridings like Parry Sound-Muskoka, there are other parties with candidates vying for your votes. In my riding there are candidates from the New Blue Party and Ontario Party in addition to the big four.

In the entire province there are 20 registered political parties – yes, 20!

Some of the more intriguing party names include the Canadians’ Choice Party, the None of the Above Direct Democracy Party, the Party for People with Special Needs, and Stop the New Sex-Ed Agenda.

I would be interested to see what kind of support these fringe parties could put together if they all joined forces and made one anti-establishment party.

A no vote is still a vote

This next option is going to annoy the heck out of my friends in the political realm, but we’re here to share all the info.

The other option is declining or spoiling your ballot in protest of the election, the lack of quality candidates in your riding, or to say there are no quality parties worthy of your vote.

Most wouldn’t recommend doing that, or they’ll say it’s a wasted vote, but they say that about voting for the Green Party or one of the non-traditional three entities. So, don’t listen to what “they say” and follow your own path.

This is essentially a protest vote and still will be counted if you do it the right way.

How do you say “no” to the whole stinking enchilada and still have your ballot counted?

There are a couple of options, including registering to vote and then declining. Tell the representative you are declining or forfeiting your right. They will mark it as “declined,” and it will still be counted.

The other way is to take your ballot into the voting booth and either writing outside of a candidate’s name or not marking it at all and still submitting it.

Every election tens of thousands of ballots are either declined, spoiled, or unmarked and they are still counted by Elections Ontario.

More things to know

Some voters already cast their ballot in advance where they were able to and by mail-in.

Not sure what to do, where to go in your riding, or what you’ll need to vote, Elections Ontario has all the info.

It’s important to know that voting locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You may need to before work, after work, or a break from work. But, make sure to go.

Only eligible voters can vote in provincial elections. To be eligible to vote, you must be: 18 years of age or older; a Canadian citizen; and a resident of Ontario.

You must bring one piece of ID showing both your name and home address to register and receive a ballot.

Though online voter registration is closed, if you are eligible to vote, you can still register in person at the polling station.

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