Everything you need to know about the federal byelection in Mississauga

Those in the Mississauga-Lakeshore riding can make their voices heard in the upcoming by-election.

On Nov. 6, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal byelection would be on Dec. 12. Former Liberal MP Sven Spengemann resigned to take a job at the United Nations in May leaving the seat vacant.

The by-election is now under way in Mississauga–Lakeshore, said Elections Canada in a press release. The riding is located in south Mississauga — the boundaries can be seen here.

Who is eligible to vote?

Voters must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older on election day. Electors must live in the riding and be at their current address as of Nov. 7 until election day, Monday, Dec. 12.

Where and when can I vote?

Voters can head to the Elections Canada office in Mississauga–Lakeshore, at 2155 Leanne Boulevard, Suite 200, anytime between now and Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information on the office hours and contact information, visit the website.

Or voters can go to their assigned polling station, on advance polling days or election day. Advance polling days are Friday, Dec. 2; Sat., Dec. 3; Sunday, Dec. 4; and Monday, Dec. 5. Election day is Monday, Dec. 12.

Can I vote by mail?

Residents can vote by mail. But you must apply online before Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., and return the special ballot by mail (deadlines apply) or in person before polls close on election day.

What do I need to bring to vote?

Elections Canada will mail a voter information card to each registered elector in Mississauga–Lakeshore. The vast majority of electors are already correctly registered and should receive a voter information card in the mail by Wednesday, Nov. 23, says Elections Canada.

To vote, electors must show proof of identity, such as a driver’s licence or any other card issued by a Canadian government, and address. The list of accepted pieces of ID is online. Please note some pieces of identification used at provincial and municipal elections may not meet federal election requirements.

Who is running?

The Liberal candidate is former provincial minister of finance Charles Sousa.

Peel Regional Police officer Ron Chhinzer is the Conservative candidate.

Julia Kole, who previously ran as a MPP candidate for the Ontario NDP, is running for the NDP.

Volunteer and lifelong Mississauga resident Mary Kidnew is the Green Party candidate.