Here's how easy it is to vote today in London and no, you don't need a voter's card

It's easy for voters these days to come up with reasons for not casting a ballot in local elections for mayor, council and school board.

Whether it's fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, worries about the economy or the sharp rise in the cost of everything from a mortgage payment to a loaf of bread, marking a ballot in today's municipal election can seem too low on the priority list to bother. 

Voter turnout in the spring Ontario election was — at 43 per cent —  a record-setting low, which some observers worry could point to a troubling trend for future elections at all levels.

Martin Horak, an associate professor of political science at Western University, worries this municipal election in London could dip below the 39 per cent turnout from 2018's vote. 

"Unfortunately, I suspect we're going to be way below 39 per cent," said Horak. "I suspect this isn't going to be a big turnout, but I hope that I'm wrong." 

London's next mayor and council will face major challenges and make decisions that will shape the Forest City for years to come, Horak said. Census data suggest London is the fastest-growing city in Ontario and one of the fastest growing in Canada.

The growth is good news, but London also faces major challenges, including a struggling downtown core, falling housing affordability, and the need to manage the rapid growth and match it with services. 

The vote clearly matters. So how do you cast a ballot today? 

It's incredibly easy. Here's how.

To vote, you just need to be age 18 or older on voting day, and you have to live in London. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

You don't have to be on the voter's list or have a voter's card, which some residents may have received in the mail. 

The next step is to find out where you vote. It will be a location near where you live. The city has a tool here on its website. Just enter your info, and if you're not listed as "registered to vote" that's fine, don't panic or assume you can't vote. 

Look down to the bottom for a clickable link that says, "Where can I vote?" and it will list a voting location near you.

Look at the bottom for "Election Day locations" and it should list the election-day voting location for your address. It's likely a school, church, library or community centre near you. Now you know where to go.