Sudbury byelection issues may get hyperlocal, Nipissing prof says

Morning North4:51Political strategies in a by-election

The CBC's Megan Thomas joined us in studio for a look at how campaign strategies change in a by-election.​Sudbury voters can expect to see a lot of political campaigning in the next few weeks — but the campaigns may look and sound a bit different.

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." 

Voter turnout could also change the race. Traditionally, fewer voters go to the polls in byelections, making the party machines that get the vote out even more important than usual on Feb. 5.

Advertising blackout 

The writ dropped almost a week ago, but the campaigns have been relatively quiet so far.

That's because there is a blackout on election advertising until Tuesday.

Elections Ontario spokesperson Andrew Willis said it's important that all candidates have the same amount of time to ramp up their campaign after the writ has dropped.

"By establishing a blackout period that does not allow advertising until Tuesday, this means that parties that have that information are not able to act on it before other parties," he said. 

Suzanne Shawbonquit was nominated on Sunday to run as the NDP candidate for Sudbury.

Already in the race were Paula Peroni for the Progressive Conservatives, Glenn Thibeault for the Liberals, David Robinson for the Green Party, and Andrew Olivier, who is running as an independent.