Voting is one of the clearest ways we engage civically. But the pathway to the ballot box starts long before election day.
A healthy democracy depends on more than candidates—it depends on people having access to trusted information, understanding the issues that affect their daily lives and feeling that their voice matters.
Our Vital Signs research has consistently shown that people are more likely to participate when they feel connected to their communities and informed about what's happening around them. Those conditions don't happen by accident. They are built through strong local institutions, trusted information and opportunities for people to engage.
That's why Toronto Foundation is proud to support several initiatives around this fall's municipal election aimed at helping people participate with greater confidence.
Not sure where candidates stand on the issues you care about? First, there's Vote Compass, now available through the Toronto Star and Vox Pop Labs. It's a simple online tool that helps people understand where candidates in their riding stand on issues they care about. You can try it here(opens in new tab).
Want to get involved closer to home? We're also supporting Voice the Vote, a community-led initiative from the Democratic Engagement Exchange at TMU and United Way Greater Toronto. From helping local organizers host community events to offering resources and microgrants, Voice the Vote is helping more people understand how local democracy works and find ways to participate. Read more here(opens in new tab).
Looking for information you can trust? We're proud to support The Local's election fact-checking(opens in new tab) work as well. In an environment where information can move quickly and not always accurately, trusted local journalism has an important role to play. This fact-checking initiative provides reliable information about all candidates (from those running for trustee to the mayor) and the issues shaping this election.
Follow the issues unfolding in your neighbourhood. We invest in local election coverage through a partnership that brings together journalism schools and hyper-local news organizations: Centennial College, Humber Polytechnic, Toronto Metropolitan University, Beach Metro Community News, The Bridge and West End Phoenix. Students are gaining hands-on reporting experience, local newsrooms are expanding their coverage and community debates are being organized. Check out their articles, social content, and upcoming events.
There are lots of ways to become more politically engaged.
As election day approaches, my hope for you is simple: choose a way to get involved. Learn about the issues. Attend a debate. Read a local story. Try Vote Compass. Have a conversation with a neighbour. And, of course, vote.
Voting matters. So do all the ways we learn, connect and take part along the way.
