Mississauga residents don’t have to miss Diwali to vote, advanced polls open today

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Published October 7, 2022 at 10:14 am

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Photo by Edmond Dantès

Advance polls are now open in Mississauga so those who have other plans on election day or want to celebrate Diwali can cast their vote early.

Diwali, a religious and cultural festival, known as the a festival of lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. This year it falls on Oct. 24, the same day as the municipal election. Some Ontario residents criticized the decision to hold the election on the same day as the important and major festival.

But the Ontario Elections Act dictates municipal elections must be held on the fourth Monday of October.

And Mississauga is encouraging those residents celebrating festival to get out early and vote now.

“If you celebrate Diwali, we encourage you to take advantage of advance polls,” said Diana Rusnov, Mississauga’s legislative services manager in a press release. “Cast your vote early so you can spend the 24 celebrating with loved ones.”

Advance polling locations will be open Oct. 7 to 9 at Mississauga City Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Oct. 13 to 16 at voting locations across the city.

Eligible voters can vote at any polling location during the advance polls.

“Advance polls allow voters to pick a time and place that is convenient for them to vote,” said Diana Rusnov, Legislative Services Manager. “They can use our online tool to find the poling location nearest to them with the shortest wait.”

To speed up the voting process, voters are encouraged to verify their voter information or register to vote online, or bring their Voter Notification Card with the correct information. Valid government-issued photo identification is also required.

Interested voters can find advance polling dates, times and locations online at MississaugaVotes.ca.

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