Advance voting expands to 22 locations across Mississauga

Advance voting options are available at 22 locations in Mississauga this weekend for voters to head to the polls to elect a new mayor.

A limited round of advance voting took place at just one location, the Mississauga Civic Centre, on May 25 and 26.

The city says in those two days, voter turnout was around 40 per cent higher than in three days of advance polls in the 2022 election, when former mayor Bonnie Crombie won.

The city's chief administrative officer, Shari Lichterman, says she's hoping to see overall better voter turnout than the previous election, when only about one in five Mississaugans cast a ballot.

"We are hoping that this is a sign," Lichterman said. "It would be great to have the kind of boost that we saw last weekend."

This is the third election where the city has given voters the opportunity to cast their ballot at any location if they vote early. 

"We just want to make it as convenient as possible for people to cast their ballot," Lichterman said.

Here's what you need to know if you are planning to vote early:

Unlike election day, on June 1 and 2, voters can choose from any of the 22 voting locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here's where you can vote early:

If you are unable to vote early or on election day, June 10, you can also appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf by filling out a voting proxy form.

Voters who live in Ward 5 also have the opportunity to elect a new city councillor. The seat was vacated by longtime councillor Carolyn Parrish, who chose to step down as of March 15 to run for mayor. Ward 5 residents who wish to vote early will also be offered a ballot to vote in the Ward 5 election, no matter which advance voting station they choose.

If you choose to vote on election day, June 10, you must vote at your designated polling station.

You can vote in the 2024 byelection if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age. You must also be either a resident of Mississauga, or you or your spouse must own or rent property in Mississauga.

Voters must bring one piece of identification, such as an Ontario driver's licence, cancelled personalized cheque or an insurance policy.