February 14, 2025

The Ontario Universities and Colleges Coalition (OUCC) is writing to express concerns about ensuring on-campus polling stations. We represent over 435,000 faculty, academic librarians, staff, and students from every public postsecondary institution in Ontario. With the Ontario election fast approaching on February 27, 2025, the OUCC urges Election Ontario to address the need for on-campus polling stations. It is well-documented that on-campus polling stations increase voter turnout amongst eligible students and campus workers, and also encourage civic engagement by younger people.

On-campus polling stations give much needed access to and accessibility for voting, at a time and location that benefits those who need it. These stations would acknowledge the fact that students and campus workers – voters – can often live in many different areas other than campus community but are being encouraged and supported in exercising their voting rights. Many continue to have difficulty accessing their polling station in time to vote due to work or other commitments.

On-campus polling stations also benefit the community at large. Our postsecondary institutions are more than just schools, they are community hubs, often with transit access and access to buildings that can accommodate different needs, and the space required to host a polling station. With advanced polling and election day polling stations on campus, voters – students, campus workers, and the broader community – will be better accommodated and can avail their voting rights.

Although election day is fast approaching, on-campus polling stations would be immediately impactful and enhance civic engagement. A commitment to hosting polling stations on campuses in future elections is a step that students, campus workers, and all Ontarians will support to ensure and exercise their voting rights.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,