A new poll from Y Media and Mainstreet Research reveals a close three-way race for the next mayor of Mississauga. Among the 20 candidates vying to succeed Bonnie Crombie, who left in January to lead the Ontario Liberal Party, three have emerged as frontrunners.
According to the poll, if the Mississauga mayoral by-election were held today, 17.8% of voters would choose Carolyn Parrish, 13.8% would vote for Dipika Damerla, and 11.1% for Stephen Dasko. Alvin Tedjo follows closely in fourth place with 8.3% support.
Carolyn Parrish, the former Ward 5 councillor, resigned her position to run for mayor. Dipika Damerla currently serves as the Ward 7 councillor, Stephen Dasko as the Ward 1 councillor, and Alvin Tedjo as the Ward 2 councillor.
The poll, conducted on May 16 and 17 with a sample of 1,036 adults in Mississauga, has a margin of error of +/- 3% at a 95% confidence level. It also highlighted a significant portion of undecided voters, accounting for 43.3% of the respondents.
Advance voting for the by-election to choose a mayor and Ward 5 councillor started on May 24-25 at City Hall in the downtown core. Additional advance voting will be available at 22 locations across the city on June 1 and 2. The election day is set for June 10.
Voters still have opportunities to hear from the candidates at upcoming debates, including:
- University of Toronto Mississauga Student Centre — May 27, 6-8 p.m.
- Applewood Acres ANAF Veteran’s Club — May 28, 7-9 p.m.
- Sheridan College Hazel McCallion Campus — May 29, 7-9 p.m.
The most recent debate was held on May 22 at Food Banks Mississauga, featuring Dasko, Damerla, Tedjo, and Brian Crombie. Carolyn Parrish did not participate and has declined to take part in any further mayoral by-election debates.