Expenditure Estimates for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (2025–26)
Summary
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Elections Ontario) administers the Election Act and the Election Finances Act. The Office operates under the direction of the Chief Electoral Officer who reports directly to the Legislative Assembly on the conduct of elections.
Program Summary
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2025-26 $ | Estimates 2024-25 $ | Difference Between 2025-26 and 2024-25 $ | Actual 2023-24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 501 | Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 37,625,464 |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 37,625,464 | |
| Statutory Appropriations | - | - | - | 28,047,691 | |
| Total Operating Expense | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 65,673,155 | |
| Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 65,673,155 | |
| Total Operating and Capital Including Consolidation and Other Adjustments (not including Assets) | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 65,673,155 |
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program - Vote 501
The Office conducts general elections and by-elections of Members to the Legislative Assembly and provides research, public information and policy advice relating to the electoral process. The Office also trains, directs and supervises the returning officer in each of the 124 electoral districts.
The Chief Electoral Officer also administers the Election Finances Act. Over 797 Constituency Associations and 20 registered political parties must file annual and campaign period returns, and inform Elections Ontario of any changes to registration information. Any form filed with Elections Ontario is reviewed for compliance with the Election Finances Act.
Under the Election Finances Act, the Chief Electoral Officer oversees the registration and financial activities of Ontario’s political parties, constituency associations, nomination contestants, candidates, leadership contestants and third-party advertisers. The Chief Electoral Officer also investigates and reports on any apparent contraventions.
The Office has responsibility to administer referenda under the Taxpayer Protection Act, 1999.
The Office serves Ministries, agencies and the public on a continuing basis by conducting historical and comparative research and providing policy advice and general information regarding the electoral process.
Vote Summary
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2025-26 $ | Estimates 2024-25 $ | Difference Between 2025-26 and 2024-25 $ | Actual 2023-24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Election Administration | 27,516,300 | 26,346,100 | 1,170,200 | 14,454,286 |
| 2 | Election Finances Administration | 28,273,600 | 19,348,300 | 8,925,300 | 23,171,178 |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 37,625,464 | |
| S | The Election Act | - | - | - | 28,047,691 |
| Total Statutory Appropriations | - | - | - | 28,047,691 | |
| Total Operating Expense | 55,789,900 | 45,694,400 | 10,095,500 | 65,673,155 |
Standard Account by Item and Sub-Items
| Vote- item number | Standard Account by Item and Sub-Items | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| 501-1 | Election Administration | |
Salaries and wages | 22,223,200 | |
Employee benefits | 5,293,100 | |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 27,516,300 | |
| 501-2 | Election Finances Administration | |
Salaries and wages | 2,406,400 | |
Employee benefits | 572,800 | |
Transportation and communication | 22,000 | |
Services | 1,203,700 | |
Supplies and equipment | 10,000 | |
Other transactions | ||
Election Expense Subsidies under the Election Finances Act | 24,059,700 | |
| Subtotal | 28,274,600 | |
| Less: Recoveries | 1,000 | |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 28,273,600 | |
| Total Operating Expense for Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Program | 55,789,900 |