In what many have billed as the most important election of our lifetimes, Sault Ste. Marie voters are heading to the polls with an added air of urgency to cast their ballots.
With some voters primarily concerned about the economy, and others about the looming spectre of the Trump administration and U.S. tariffs, SooToday spoke with voters trickling into polling stations around the city to hear their thoughts.
National polls show the Liberal Party with a 4-point lead over the Conservatives on election day, with 338Canada predicting a 65 per cent chance of the Liberals winning a majority government – an outcome that seemed virtually impossible before Mark Carney assumed party leadership in March and brought the Liberals on a meteoric rise back into contention.
Locally, Liberal Terry Sheehan, incumbent for the former riding of Sault Ste. Marie, is up against Conservative hopeful Hugh Stevenson.
Also running for the riding, recently amalgamated with a portion of Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, is Laura Mayer for the NDP.
Robyn Kiki Eshkibok is running for the Green Party.
James Collins is running for the Christian Heritage Party.
With affordability, the economy, and the U.S. on the minds of many voters this spring, one Sault resident said she spent much more time researching parties than usual ahead of election day.
“Usually I just skim over what's being said on the news, but I actually bought resources that I could read, and to really educate myself because I'm very, very torn,” said Heather Dukes.
Dukes said her chief concerns are about the economy, jobs and the U.S. administration.
“Unfortunately, I don't really want to bring up the name, but I do have fears, and those are natural,” she said.
“I have to go with the party that thinks it's going to be able to save Canada and create a better economy.”
For others, the threats posed by the U.S. top all others as the key ballot box question.
“The political issue, the Trump issue, is what scares me,” said Gail Bonni. “That’s the one that overshadows everything.”
“Who is best to meet him head on? (That’s) my basic thinking.”
Other voters, still, are primarily frustrated with the moves the Liberals have made since taking power nearly a decade ago.
“The Liberals have never done nothing for us, made us worse, put us in debt. Something's gotta change,” said Dennis Gamble.
Jeff Church said he “absolutely” feels this election is a particularly important one.
“To be honest, I'm not impressed with the government over the last nine years,” he said.
“Economy, economy, economy – that’s my key issue right now.”
Record numbers of voters turned up at advance polls ahead of election day, with 7.3 million voters casting their ballots early – a 25 per cent increase over 2021 figures. Nearly 19,900 voters hit advance polls in Sault Ste. Marie–Algoma.
Polls are open in Sault Ste. Marie until 9:30 p.m.
More information about voting is on the Elections Canada website.