Young Londoners in 2026 had the opportunity to participate in advance voting for the upcoming municipal election. On October 1, polls were accessible at Western University and Fanshawe College, enabling students to vote for candidates not only in London but also in their hometowns.
Alistair Sullivan, a student at Western University, mentioned that voting on campus made the process more convenient. He expressed his views after casting his vote at the University Community Centre.
The University Students Council (USC) at Western University organized a proactive “Get Out the Vote” campaign leading up to the advance voting day. This initiative included candidate meet-and-greets, election-themed trivia activities, and social media updates on voting.
Stephen Titizian, the USC’s vice president of external affairs, highlighted the significance of student engagement in local politics. He emphasized the impact of city decisions on students and stressed the importance of their voices being heard.
Titizian estimated that over 100 politically active students attended a Pints and Politics event on campus, fostering interactions between more than 40 mayoral and ward candidates and the student community. Additionally, USC’s trivia games and giveaways engaged a broader spectrum of students, some of whom were previously unaware of the election.
To alleviate student concerns, Titizian emphasized the USC’s efforts to educate students about voting logistics and eligibility requirements. He encouraged students to utilize the remaining weeks to research candidates thoroughly and prepare for Election Day.
Some students, like Nicholas Yetming from Huron University College, opted to delay voting until Election Day to familiarize themselves with all candidates and their policies. Medical sciences students Tatyana Wong and Renee Ramcharan expressed newfound interest in voting after encountering the USC’s campaign.
Student voters identified various key election issues, including public transit, construction, housing costs, and community safety. Western sociology student John Heras highlighted sanitation concerns, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like garbage pickup in the downtown area.
Sullivan mentioned supporting a mayoral candidate focused on revitalizing the downtown core to attract businesses and improve the area’s condition. He emphasized the need to enhance the downtown environment, reflecting on the changes he witnessed in the city over the years.
Advance voting will continue until October 10, with the official Voting Day scheduled for October 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Londoners can vote at any open advance voting location on their chosen date, irrespective of their ward, by presenting valid identification or a voter notification card.
Throughout the election period, students are encouraged to stay informed, engage with candidates, and exercise their right to vote for a brighter future in their community.
