What voters need to know for today's Bay of Quinte byelection

It's time for voters in eastern Ontario's Bay of Quinte riding to chose their new MPP.

Polls will be openfrom9 a.m.until 9 p.m. for Thursday'sbyelection.

There areseven candidates on the ballotto fill Todd Smith's seat, which he left last month.

The former Progressive Conservative energy and education minister is now a vice-president at Candu Energy.

• Here's what's on the brain of Bay of Quinte byelection candidates

The riding includes part of Belleville south of Highway 401, all of Quinte West and all of Prince Edward County. Its population was just over 116,000 as of the 2021 census.

Smith got about 21,400 of about 43,400 votes in the 2022 general election, or just under half of votes cast. The former journalistwas first elected in 2011.

The legislature resumes Oct. 21. Doug Ford's PCs hold 78 of 124 seats.

Information on how to vote

Elections Ontario says voters headingto the polls Thursday must beCanadian citizens, living in the riding and at least 18 years old (born Sept. 19, 2006 or later).

Voters are asked to bring the voter registration card they received in the mail, along withanother acceptablepiece of identificationto their appointed polling place. Common IDs include a passport, Ontario health card, driver's licence, Indian status card, firearms licence or military ID card.

Voters who didn't receive aregistration cardneed to bring a piece of ID with theirname and address to the voting location assigned to their postal codean income tax notice, bankstatement, pay stubor bill, for example.

• Elections Ontario's Bay of Quinte byelection hub

People without a fixed address may obtain a certificate from the place they've recently gone to eat or sleep.

There are some tools available for people with accessibility needs, including arranging a home visit. Hospital voting is not available for byelections.

Advance voting has ended, including for students and Canadian Armed Forces members who are away andneeded to make arrangements to vote by mail.