With Ontario’s municipal election approaching on October 26, 2026, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has released a new series of practical resources to help communities inform, engage and encourage more people to participate in local elections. Developed by AMO and Toronto Metropolitan University as part of AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project, the resources include guides specifically designed for municipalities, public libraries, and post-secondary institutions and students.
A Guide Specifically for Public Libraries
Of particular interest to FOPL members is AMO’s new Guide for Libraries, make in conjunction with Library CEOs Lita Barrie (Burlington) and Moe Hosseini-Ara (Toronto), which recognizes the important role public libraries can play in supporting informed participation in local democracy.
The guide provides ideas for libraries to use their trusted position in the community to:
- Share reliable and accessible election information;
- Support civic learning and awareness;
- Create opportunities for community participation; and
- Help residents better understand and engage with local democracy.
The guides are flexible and can be adapted to the size, capacity and needs of individual communities. They are also accompanied by short videos highlighting practical ways organizations and community partners can support voter participation.
Libraries and Strong Local Democracy
This resource complements FOPL’s ongoing work around the importance of strong local governance and our efforts to help Ontario public libraries prepare for and engage during the 2026 municipal election. Libraries are important community partners and trusted sources of information. Election season provides an opportunity to demonstrate that role while supporting non-partisan civic engagement and helping residents connect with the decisions that shape their communities.
FOPL encourages members to review the library guide, share it with their boards and staff, and consider how its ideas could be incorporated into local election activities over the coming weeks.
Explore AMO’s Supporting Voter Participation in Ontario’s 2026 Municipal Elections resources:
Supporting Voter Participation in Ontario’s 2026 Municipal Elections