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The Ontario Election is a Critical Moment for 2SLGBTQ+ Communities.
Election day is happening in
There’s so much at stake.
We need to tell our loved ones, our neighbours, and candidates
Why We Vote.
The skyrocketing cost of living and housing hits our communities especially hard. Getting the healthcare we need—from HIV care to gender-affirming care—feels like an uphill battle because the system wasn’t built with us in mind.
For many 2SLGBTQ+ people — including seniors, refugees, youth, and people living with disabilities — it’s becoming that much tougher to get by during an affordability crisis that’s affecting everyone.
Every election matters, but at a time when the rights and dignity we’ve fought so hard for are under attack at home and abroad, it’s never been more important to make sure we show up. We matter. We vote.
This election, The 519 community is sharing Why We Vote, and encouraging you to do the same.
Key Issues For 2SLGBTQ+ Communities This Provincial Election
2SLGBTQ+ Human Rights, Safety, and Wellbeing
We refuse to give in to rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate. The law should protect and uplift Ontarians, not divide us.
Housing and Homelessness
Ontarians across income levels are struggling to afford housing. We need to protect renters, empower average house hunters, and get shovels in the ground.
Healthcare
Everyone has a right to accessible, affirming, and timely healthcare. We need to improve access to primary care for everyone, and reduce barriers for trans communities and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Mental Health, Substance Use, and Harm Reduction
We’re living through a drug poisoning and mental health crisis. Communities need to be supported, not penalized.
Refugee Support
LGBTQ+ refugees have so much to offer Ontario. We need to make good on our commitments and help them thrive.
Cost of Living and Social Supports
Everything is too expensive, and Ontarians need relief. Companies need to be held accountable, and wages and social assistance must rise.
How to Vote
Your ID: One piece of identification (ID) showing your name and qualifying address is needed when you go to vote.
Your Safety: If you feel that your voting location is not a safe space for you, you have other choices, including voting by mail, at home, or ballot transfer.
Your Address: Let the voting place staff know if you currently do not have a permanent address.
Can't Vote? You can still get involved!
You must be a Canadian Citizen, Ontario resident, and over the age of 18 to vote in the upcoming provincial election.
We know how frustrating it can be to feel left out of decisions that impact you and your loved ones. But don’t forget—your voice and your efforts still matter! Even if you can’t vote, you can still get involved, be part of the conversation, and make a difference.
Making a difference starts with showing up. Ensure that those around you are ready to make their voices heard. Direct the people in your life who are eligible to vote to go to Elections Ontario to register.
Getting folks to make a plan on how they will get to the polls or cast is a tried-and-true way to increase the likelihood someone will vote.
Help your friend, family member, or neighbour make a concrete plan that helps them visualize the steps they’ll go through on Election Day. Some sample questions to ask:
- Do you know where your polling place is? How will you get there?
- Do you need help with transportation?
- Do you know when to mail your ballot if you’re voting by mail?
- Do you know what ID you’ll need to bring to the polls?
Talk to your family and friends in person about what’s happening in the news and how they feel about it. Remind them that their elected officials often have a say in changing the events that your loved ones are most passionate about.
There’s no better way to get involved in the political process than by volunteering in an election. Research the party’s platforms and contact your local candidate to volunteer. Volunteering can look like knocking on doors, making phone calls, helping distribute signs, and so much more.
There’s no better way to experience democracy in action than working an Election. Elections Ontario is hiring for short-term positions across the province, as well as for election day staff. Some roles require Canadian citizenship, but you don’t need to be a Canadian citizen to work as an Information Assistant. You can find more information here.