It’s officially election day in Ontario.
After a month of handshake, announcements and rallies, Ontario residents will have a chance to vote for their next provincial government on Thursday.
Here’s what you need to know:
WHERE ARE THE LEADERS?
The latest Nanos poll conducted for CTV News and CP24 shows that conservative progressives, led by Doug Ford, lead with 38.8 percent support among determined voters. PCs have consistently held a leading position in weekly polls, with just under 37% of respondents saying they prefer Ford as prime minister.
The real battle will be for the role of the Official Opposition, as the Liberals and the NPD are only 1.6 percentage points apart. As such, voters are likely to be bombarded by calls for strategic voting, but experts warn that it is almost impossible to carry out successfully.
For more information on the latest polls, click here.
Health care and rising cost of living remain the main electoral issues for voters, a separate Nanos poll suggests.
WHEN CAN I VOTE?
Ballot boxes will be open throughout the province between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Voters must bring an official identification document along with their registration card (or two identity documents) to their assigned polling station.
Residents are advised to take a long time to vote, as there is at least one constituency with far fewer polling stations than during the last provincial election. Elections Ontario confirmed that there are only 29 stations on Toronto’s Spadina-Fort York route compared to 116 locations in 2018.
Polling stations also shrank sharply during the last federal election due to COVID-19 protocols, causing long alignments and much frustration.
WHERE TO FIND THE ELECTION RESULTS?
CP24.com will have live election results as soon as the polls close on Thursday.
The election map will break down Ontario’s 124 constituencies and allow residents to search for their zip code to find out who won in their area.
The CTV Ontario Election 2022 special will air at 7pm on CTV News Channel, CP24 and BNN Bloomberg, and will bring you the latest news from the party headquarters and notable circuses.
The special will also be broadcast live on CP24.com and the CP24 app.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CANDIDATES AND PROBLEMS?
Are you still an undecided voter? There is still time to get to know the candidates and the election issues.
The CP24.com polling station has a breakdown of what each party promises, as well as profiles that address issues of concern throughout the GTA.
Ontario’s 2022 Election Platform Guide: What Do Political Parties Promise?
There are also 11 notable excursions in Ontario with races that are sure to give amazing results or a tight race.