Voting is underway in Terrebonne in a closely watched federal byelection.
Last year, the Liberals initially flipped the longtime Bloc Québécois riding by just a single vote, declaring Tatiana Auguste the winner.
But the result was overturned by the Supreme Court in February following a legal challenge by Bloc candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné, after an Elections Canada error prevented at least one vote from being counted.
“The race was tight the last time around, so it’s even more important to go out and vote,” said Terrebonne voter Sylvain Hebert. “My vote did change with the whole judicial procedure; my choice is different this time.”
“It’s the campaigning by the candidates that made me change my mind – their presence and actions in the last weeks,” Hebert added.
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While Hebert changed his vote, other voters said their choice won’t change in the rematch.
“I’m pretty great with the choice I made last time,” said Maude Bourdage.
Camuel Desir Cote said, “My vote hasn’t changed, it’s the same.”
Voters head to the polls in two other byelections in Toronto – which are seen as safe Liberal seats – and with the Liberals close to a majority, the Terrebonne race is one being watched closely.
“Very interesting time right now – it’s a cultural and demographic shift that I would like to be a part of – sometimes change is interesting, and sometimes you have to change even when the leaders are great, you have to change them from time to time to make sure you have fresh and noble ones,” said Ghyslain Cote.
Diane Laurain Dinenna said, “Whether it’s Terrebonne or elsewhere, it’s important to go vote.”
More than 18,000 people – one-fifth of Terrebonne voters – have cast their ballots in advance polling.
Polls close at 8:30 p.m.
