At Vaughan Public Libraries, we are committed to fostering Civic Engagement and strengthening local democracy. We have carefully curated the following information regarding voting in the upcoming Vaughan Municipal Election in October 2026. Our aim is to support you with unbiased and accurate information, as well as advanced online voting kiosks at all VPL locations.
October 15
Deadline to register for online voting.
October 9 to 18
Advance Vote
(Vote online)
October 26
Election Day
(Vote in person)
The elected Vaughan Council will serve the 2026 to 2030 term.
The City of Vaughan's Council consists of 10 members – one Mayor, four Local and Regional Councillors, and five Ward Councillors. All candidates running for Vaughan Council are represented here.
We also asked each candidate 3 questions regarding Vaughan's most pressing issues. They are based on the priorities expressed by the citizens of Vaughan as reported by Liaison Strategies and National Public Relations. Learn more about their thoughts and ideas below. How it works
Select a position and candidate to learn more.
The Mayor serves as the head of Council and leads city-wide priorities and initiatives.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Candidate for Mayor
Shelly-Ann Cerrelli is a Vaughan business owner, community advocate and candidate for Mayor. She is running to bring greater transparency, accountability and resident-focused leadership to City Hall. Her priorities include responsible growth, safer communities, better transportation, housing affordability and supporting local businesses. Shelly-Ann believes Vaughan's future should be shaped with residents, not simply presented to them.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Vaughan needs transportation planning that keeps pace with growth. I would prioritize fixing traffic bottlenecks, better-timed signals, safer intersections and stronger coordination with York Region on major roads and transit. I would advocate for better transit connections while making walking and cycling safer. New development must also be tied to realistic transportation and infrastructure capacity—not approved in isolation.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
I would make housing more affordable by reducing unnecessary municipal costs and approval delays, expanding purpose-built rentals and attainable ownership options, and partnering with other governments and non-profits on affordable housing. But affordability cannot mean irresponsible density. New housing must be directed to areas where roads, water, sewers, transit and services can support it, while protecting established neighbourhoods from development they cannot sustain.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
Every resident should feel safe and respected in Vaughan. I would strengthen collaboration with York Regional Police, invest in safer streets and neighbourhoods, and support prevention and community-based programs. I would protect places of worship, schools and other vulnerable community spaces while respecting lawful expression. Most importantly, City Hall should listen to every community and ensure residents feel heard, included and welcome.
Candidate for Mayor
Steven Del Duca is a 40-year Vaughan resident and has proudly served as Mayor since 2022. From a 0% property tax increase with no service cuts, to investing in community safety, fighting traffic gridlock and lowering the cost of new housing, Vaughan has made real progress. Steven’s focus for the next four years is to keep Vaughan affordable, build the infrastructure our growing city needs and make homeownership more attainable for young families. With strong and stable leadership, Steven will keep working to build a secure future for Vaughan.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Traffic gridlock takes time away from families, and fighting it remains a top priority. We’ve opened the Kirby Road Extension and Canada Drive Bridge and started the Bass Pro Mills Drive Extension. Next, we need to start the extension of Teston Rd between Keele St. and Dufferin St., widen the rail bridge over Highway 7 at finish the Bass Pro Mills Extension over Highway 400. I’ll keep pushing to build the road, bridges and transit Vaughan needs to reduce gridlock and give residents more time back in their day.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
Homeownership should be within reach for young families. That’s why I led the way on cutting development charges, a tax on new homebuyers, to lower the cost of building and get more homes built. That leadership helped secure approx $700 million in funding to advance the roads, water infrastructure, parks and community facilities needed to unlock new housing. Over the next four years, my focus is getting these projects built alongside new homes to help build complete communities from day one, not after the fact.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
Keeping families safe is personal to me. We’ve opened two new YRP substations and supported hundreds of new police positions to strengthen community safety. But there is more to do. I’ll keep pushing for more front-line resources and real bail reform that keeps repeat violent offenders off our streets. Vaughan is a safe and welcoming city, and I’ll work every day to keep it that way.
The Local and Regional Councillors represent Vaughan at the municipal and regional levels of government. There are four Local and Regional Councillors in Vaughan.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Candidate for Local and Regional Councillor
Dr. Alireza Siadatan is a candidate for Local and Regional Councillor in Vaughan’s 2026 Municipal Election. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario and the U.S. (P.E.). With 20+ years of engineering, leadership, research and university teaching experience, his priorities include responsible growth, Smart City solutions, sustainable infrastructure, community safety, fiscal responsibility and responsive government.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Improving mobility in Vaughan requires better coordination between the City and York Region and smarter use of technology. I would support better traffic-signal coordination, reliable YRT/Viva service, improved road planning, and safer walking and cycling options. As a professional engineer, I would advocate for data-driven Smart City solutions to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. As Vaughan grows, transportation and infrastructure must be planned together for safe and efficient travel.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
Housing affordability requires practical action and cooperation among all levels of government. I would support reducing unnecessary approval delays, encouraging diverse and attainable housing options, and making better use of areas served by transit and existing infrastructure. Growth must be coordinated with roads, transit, water, parks, schools and community services. As a professional engineer, I would bring an evidence-based approach to housing, infrastructure, sustainability and protecting established neighbourhoods.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
Safe and welcoming communities require prevention, effective public services and strong connections between residents and government. I would support well-resourced police, fire and paramedic services, safer roads and school zones, well-maintained public spaces, and accessible programs for youth, seniors, families and people with disabilities. I would also hold regular community meetings and maintain open communication with residents. Everyone should have an opportunity to be heard and participate in Vaughan’s future.
Candidate for Local and Regional Councillor
I have lived in Vaughan for over 22 years. I am honoured to put my name forward as Vaughan's next Regional Councillor. I am a former teacher, administrator, football player and devoted husband and father. I know the issues families are facing in Vaughan. I come from an immigrant family of skilled workers, electricicans, builders and construction workers. I know what hard work looks like. I know how to get the job done, I am ready to listen and ready to lead by always putting residents first.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Vaughan is on the right path in creating the transportation infrastructure we need to get people moving efficiently. As a Regional Councillor, I want to work towards more Go stations, more bus routes, and transit lines. As our communities grow, we need to ensure that we invest in a variety of modes of transportation to keep people connected and get them moving in a safe, seamless and reliable way.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
We need a housing strategy in Vaughan that focuses on increasing housing options including mid-rise housing. We need to maintain no new property taxes for residents. We need to create a pathway to home ownership for young families and lessen the number of families and individuals waiting for affordable housing. As Regional Councillor, I want to introduce housing solutions that include traditional housing models as well as generational housing models. In order to make housing affordable we need innovative solutions and leadership on Council.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
My background as a school administrator has given me a unique outlook as it pertains to safe and welcoming communities. Vaughan is a diverse city with pockets of cultural, and faith-based communities. As demographics shift, it is my job as a Regional Councillor to ensure that we are listening to the needs of diverse communities, and we are being mindful of the fact that as elected officials we represent all communities not just the ones in our family history. All members of our community need to be seen and respected in what we say and do.
Candidate for Local and Regional Councillor
Mandy Rai is a candidate for Local and Regional Councillor in Vaughan’s 2026 Municipal Election. Raised in Vaughan, she holds a Bachelor of Laws from The City Law School, now part of City St George’s, University of London, and a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. She also attended the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Mandy brings experience in law, compliance, community engagement and volunteer service, including with Girl Guides of Canada.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Improving mobility in Vaughan requires coordination between the City and York Region. I would support exploring measures such as better traffic-signal coordination, reliable YRT/Viva service, improved coordination of major road projects, and safer options for walking and local travel. I also believe transportation and infrastructure capacity should be carefully considered as Vaughan grows, so residents can move through their communities more efficiently.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
Housing affordability requires action from all levels of government. As Local and Regional Councillor, I would support practical measures that help reduce unnecessary approval delays, encourage a wider range of housing options, and make better use of areas served by transit. I would also advocate for growth to be carefully coordinated with roads, transit, water, parks and community services while respecting Vaughan’s established neighbourhoods.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
Safe communities require both effective enforcement and strong neighbourhoods. I would support well-resourced York Regional Police and paramedic services, safer roads and school zones, well-maintained parks, and accessible programs for youth, seniors, families and people with disabilities. I also believe residents should be heard. Regular community meetings and responsive representation help build trust, inclusion and safer neighbourhoods across Vaughan.
Candidate for Local and Regional Councillor
Mario G. Racco is a dedicated Local and Regional Councillor for Vaughan, bringing over forty years of trusted public service experience, combining an accounting & legal background with practical leadership. Mario remains deeply committed to fighting for infrastructure, enhanced public safety, stronger neighbourhoods, and real, accountable results for local families.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Vaughan needs to keep moving forward on transit while fixing the roads and bottlenecks residents face every day. I would continue pushing for better regional transit connections, faster bus service and improvements to major corridors. I was proud to play a leading role in bringing the subway to Vaughan, and now we need to build on that investment by improving connections to the subway and investing in roads and infrastructure as our city grows.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
Housing affordability means giving young people and families a real opportunity to stay in Vaughan and build their future here. We need to increase housing supply, including more attainable options for first-time buyers, young families, seniors and those looking to downsize. We should also make better use of existing infrastructure and encourage the right mix of housing, particularly around transit, while keeping Vaughan a great place to raise a family.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
A safe community is one where people feel comfortable in their neighbourhoods and know their concerns are being heard. I will continue working with York Regional Police and community organizations to address crime and improve prevention. Vaughan's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we should continue bringing people together through cultural, seniors, youth and community programs. We must also stand up against antisemitism and every form of hate.
Each of Vaughan’s five wards are represented by Local Councillors. These councillors bring local perspectives and community priorities to Council.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Each of Vaughan’s five wards are represented by Local Councillors. These councillors bring local perspectives and community priorities to Council.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Each of Vaughan’s five wards are represented by Local Councillors. These councillors bring local perspectives and community priorities to Council.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Each of Vaughan’s five wards are represented by Local Councillors. These councillors bring local perspectives and community priorities to Council.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
Candidate for Ward 4 Councillor
Deven Sandhu, PhD, MBA, ICD.D brings 25+ years of community, executive and governance leadership. A 2022 Order of Vaughan recipient, he has served as Chair of the Vaughan Public Library Board, on Vaughan’s Governance Committee, provincial health tribunals and the Ontario Science Centre Board. Deven brings experience, accountability and evidence-based leadership which included public resources, budgets, library services, literacy, technology and the evolving needs of one of Canada's fastest-growing and most diverse communities.
1. How would you improve the ability of people to get around efficiently?
Vaughan’s growth has outpaced transit. I’d extend rapid transit north from VMC along Hwy 7/Jane St, boost YRT/Viva frequency on major arterials, build protected bike lanes linking neighbourhoods to GO/subway stations, expand park-and-ride and shuttle service, and fix signal timing at chronic bottlenecks like Hwy 7, Rutherford, and Weston Rd. New subdivisions should be required to include real transit and cycling connections. The goal is a Vaughan where transit, cycling, and walking are convenient and safe options.
2. How would you make housing in Vaughan more affordable?
Vaughan already cut development charges in half and secured $697M in funding, unlocking 120,000+ units. I’d build on this by prioritizing missing-middle housing (townhomes, secondary suites) near transit, speeding up approvals so savings reach buyers, requiring purpose-built rental near transit, and streamlining secondary-suite approvals for gentle density in existing neighbourhoods. The overall approach is to build on what's working — lower development charges, transit-oriented growth, senior government partnership.
3. How would you make our communities safe and welcoming?
Safety and belonging in Vaughan depends on infrastructure keeping pace with growth, community-oriented public safety, and programming that reflects who actually lives here. Safe, welcoming communities need infrastructure that keeps pace with growth. I’d invest in libraries and rec centres in fast-growing areas, fund neighbourhood policing liaison programs alongside traffic-calming like speed humps and lit crosswalks, expand multicultural and settlement services for newcomers, and improve pedestrian safety near schools and seniors’ facilities.
Each of Vaughan’s five wards are represented by Local Councillors. These councillors bring local perspectives and community priorities to Council.
Candidates: (Only candidates with submitted responses will be displayed.)
Councillor Gila Martow will be re-elected for the 2026-2030 term.
We will update this webpage with candidate responses as we receive them.
The above content regarding candidates and their viewpoints are published for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Vaughan Public Libraries.
To be eligible to vote in the City of Vaughan's 2026 Municipal Election, you must be:
You can check, update, or add yourself to the voters list directly with your municipality. To check your status or get on the Voters’ List, visit voterregistration.vaughan.ca.
If you're 16 or 17 years old and reside in Ontario, you can add yourself to the Ontario Register of Future Voters. Once you turn 18, you will automatically be added to the voters list, and you'll be ready to vote in the next provincial or municipal election.
Learn more:
What is the Ontario Register of Future Voters?
Find out who is eligible to vote, how to vote and how you can support candidates in Ontario municipal council and school board elections.
Online advance voting will be available from October 9 to 18. To vote online in the upcoming election, you must be registered in advance. Please use our Internet Voting Opt-in Tool to register for online voting. To complete your registration, you will need acceptable identification and a unique email address. Once registered, you will receive your voting credentials. Registration will close on October 15, 2026.
All Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) locations will offer kiosks for advance voting online from October 9 to 18. These kiosks will not be staffed with election officials, but VPL staff will be able to provide support with navigating the online voting platform.
Visit vaughan.ca/election to learn more about Vaughan Council and the Vaughan Municipal Election.
Visit votecompass.thestar.com to learn how your views align with candidates.
If you need more information or require assistance, please reach out to us.
