Voters to cast ballots in hotly-contested Sudbury byelection

Sudbury, Voters in Sudbury, Ont., head to the polls today in a hotly contested byelection.
The race has been overshadowed by criminal allegations against the Liberals and turncoat accusations aimed at their candidate.
Glenn Thibeault left the federal NDP to run for the provincial Liberals in the byelection, prompting federal Leader Tom Mulcair to call him untrustworthy and a turncoat.
The Liberals appointed Thibeault instead of holding a nomination contest and their previous candidate in the June general election alleges the party offered him a job or appointment in exchange for stepping aside.
The provincial police and Elections Ontario are investigating Andrew Olivier’s claims following complaints from the opposition parties.
Olivier is running as an independent, but polls suggest it’s a race between Thibeault and NDP candidate Suzanne Shawbonquit.
Olivier also released audio of his conversations with two Liberals, which he said back up his claims, but added he just wanted to focus on the issues in the campaign.
The Liberals have denied the bribery allegations, saying they were trying to keep Olivier involved in the party after Thibeault’s appointment was already decided.
The byelection was triggered when New Democrat Joe Cimino resigned after just five months on the job.
The Liberals had previously held the seat for 19 years, so with the former stronghold in play again, Wynne has showered attention on the riding. When she arrives in town today it will be her sixth visit since calling the byelection.
And, it seems voters are more engaged, with advance polls showing a higher turnout than advance polls in the general election.

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