Toronto is voting for its new mayor on June 26. There are a whopping 102 candidates running in this by-election! How many signs have you spotted in your neighbourhood?
You might not be old enough to vote, but the results of this race will affect everyone who calls this city home. So remind all the grown-ups in your life to show up at the polls!
When is election day?
Monday, June 26. People can vote in advance from June 8 to 13. What if someone in your family is confused about where to go or what to bring?
Tell them they can call 416-338-1111, email elections@toronto.ca, or visit the city's website. There is election information available in 25 languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese! Friendly staff at your local library can also help find answers. What if someone in your family isn't sure who to vote for?
Voting is easy, but with 102 candidates, it takes time to research their platforms (what they are promising to do if elected). There's no way around it: grown-ups have to do their homework! Ask at the library to see the Candidate Tracker Handbook. Created by a team of journalists, it contains quick facts about all the candidates. Although you can't borrow the handbook and take it home, you can find an online version on The Local's website. If you can't vote yet, what else can you do to become a better citizen?
It all starts with learning! Go with a parent or caregiver when they vote and watch democracy in action. Ask questions and read widely. A good place to start is our Celebrate Democracy booklist. We hope these books will help you think outside the ballot box!
Just Help! by Sonia Sotomayor and Angela Dominguez
How did you help today? Anybody and everybody can take action, get involved in improving their community, and build a better world.
The Power Book by various authors
What is power, who has it, and why? Discover what you can do with your own power to create positive change in the world, no matter how old you are. 
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
The world needs your voice! We all have the chance to say something with both actions and words. 
Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
Sofia is put in charge of overseeing an election to decide what pet her class will get. During the campaign, kids make posters and speeches for Team Bird or Team Turtle. But when the votes are counted, one is missing. How can Sofia make sure the election is fair? 
Vote for Me! by Louise Spilsbury and Mike Gordon
What do prime ministers and presidents do? How do democracies and elections work? Learn about different types of government around the world. 
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris
A citizen's not what you are, it's what you do. Get inspired to take action with this rhyming picture book!