Understanding Ontario Regulation 304/03, Voter Identification from the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
For more detailed information of this regulation, please visit O. Reg. 304/13 VOTER IDENTIFICATION | ontario.ca
What this regulation is for
This regulation specifies the identification people need to vote in a municipal election.
In short: when you go to vote, you must show proof of your identity and where you live.
What kind of ID works
You need to bring one document that shows both:
- your name
- your qualifying residential address (where you live or the address that qualifies you as a voter)
This document must be original, or a properly certified copy.
Examples of acceptable documents
Some of the many types of documents you can use include:
- An Ontario driver’s licence
- Ontario Photo Card or Ontario Health Card (if it shows name + address)
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (the portion listing address)
- A cancelled personalized cheque
- A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement for a property in Ontario
- A utility bill — for example, electricity, water, gas, phone or cable/tv bill
- A bank or credit card statement, or other financial statements (for example, savings account, RRSP, etc.)
- A document issued by a government body (Canadian, Ontario, or municipal) that shows your name & address
- A notice of property-tax assessment
- Government benefit statements (like for pension, disability support, etc.)
- A document showing residence in a long-term care home, student residence, or an institution (if applicable)
Because the list is long, many different types of “official” or “formal” documents can work — as long as the document shows your name and correct address.
What happens if you don’t have acceptable ID
If you don’t have one of the accepted documents, there’s another option: you can fill out a “Declaration of Identity” form. That can still allow you to vote.
Why this matters
- The rule helps make sure only eligible people — people who can prove they are who they say they are, and who really live (or qualify) at the address they claim — get to vote.
- It helps keep municipal elections fair and legitimate.
- Because the regulation accepts many kinds of documents (not only photo ID), it gives flexibility — people can use common bills or official documents, not just a driver’s licence or passport.
