Today, residents of Mississauga are heading to the polls after months of campaigning from candidates seeking positions as mayor, city council members, and school board trustees.
The spotlight of the 2026 municipal election in Mississauga shines on a fierce mayoral contest featuring four primary candidates – including both the current mayor and her predecessor – within a larger group of 14 individuals competing for the city’s top position.
Incumbent Carolyn Parrish and former mayor Bonnie Crombie, who exchanged sharp remarks during the high-pressure debates, are trying to fend off competition from city councillors Alvin Tedjo and Dipika Damerla.
Observers in Mississauga – along with various polls – indicate that recently Tedjo has gained more support, which might place him in a tight three-way race as election night approaches.
A record number participated in early voting
Voters who didn’t cast their ballots earlier this month during the record-breaking advance polling in Mississauga are doing so today and tonight.
City officials remind residents that polling locations will be open until 8 p. m. throughout the city today.
The winning candidates will serve a term from 2026 to 2030.
Local election officials advise voters can cast their votes on Oct. 26 at any site within their ward.
“To make voting easier, confirm you’re on the voters’ list before you visit a voting location,” officials said while sharing important election information with the community. “If you received a voter notification card in September, bring it with you. The card isn’t mandatory but contains your voting details and may help speed up your experience.”
To participate in the 2026 municipal election, voters must meet these criteria:
A Canadian citizen. At least 18 years old. A resident of Mississauga or a non-resident who owns or rents property there, or whose spouse does.
Voters should also bring one valid piece of identification that displays their name and qualifying address in Mississauga, such as:
The city encourages residents to engage by voting, stating “voting is a direct way to have a say in how Mississauga grows, how services are delivered and who represents your community. Your vote helps shape decisions about your daily life, including decisions about roads, parks, transit, community programs and other local services.”
This isn’t their first political showdown
The intense mayoral campaign isn’t the first time Parrish and Crombie have faced off politically.
Parrish won a mayoral byelection in June 2024 following Crombie’s tenure; they have had competitive municipal elections before this one.
Crombie defeated Parrish (2,479 votes to 2,239 votes) during a September 2011 byelection for Ward 5 council seat. Later on, Parrish became councillor when Crombie took over as mayor from Hazel Mc Callion in 2014.
Crombie stepped down from her role as mayor in January 2024 to lead the Ontario Liberal Party while aiming to unseat Premier Doug Ford.
The other ten candidates running for Mayor of Mississauga include:
David Shaw – participated both in the 2024 mayoral byelection and the 2022 municipal election for mayor. Registered May 1 Mike Matulewicz – ran during the 2024 byelection. Registered May 5 Amjad Jilani – registered July 14 Frank Fang – contested both the recent byelection for Mayor and sought Ward 9 council seat during the last municipal election. Registered July 15 Fadi Naami – registered July 20 Karam Ahmed – registered August 20 Aamir Bhatti – registered August 21 Gord Elliott – registered August 21 Mohsin Khan – registered August 18 Ana Luisa Vasquez De Espinal – registered August 11
If you’re looking for more details on candidates running for office or need information on where and how to vote plus general electoral guidelines, check out the city’s election page online.
INSAUGA Canada’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Stay updated!
Sign up now to receive our daily email highlighting today’s top stories around your area!
Source link
