Sudbury byelection issues may get hyperlocal, Nipissing prof says
Amped-up exposure of certain candidates, low voter turn-out could be deciding factors


Unlike the Ontario election in June, this byelection won't change the party in power at Queen's Park. Instead, Sudbury voters are casting either a government or opposition vote.
That means candidates will be able to campaign harder on issues very local to Sudbury — including the proposed Maley Drive extension and a PET scanner — to garner support.
A political science professor at Nipissing University said voters also have a bit more freedom in a byelection.
"In a sense, it frees people up to vote for the person they want best rather than being concerned with any strategic voting at all," David Tabachnick said.
The political drama in the last few weeks has drawn more media attention than usual for NDP-turned-Liberal candidate Glenn Thibeault and former Liberal candidate Andrew Olivier, who is running as an independent.
Tabachnick said that could be a challenge for Progressive Conservative candidate Paula Peroni, who, just six months ago, failed to turn the seat blue.
But Peroni said this is a challenge she is ready for.
"People will see my dedication and my commitment, this being my third election. They know I'm not a quitter."