It's byelection day in Cumberland ward

Residents should know this evening who the next member of Ottawa city council will beafter polls close in the Cumberland ward byelection.

Ten names are on the ballot to replace former councillor and current MPP Stephen Blais in the city's eastern-mostward, which has a population of more than 50,000 spreadthroughout suburban Orlansand a sprawling rural area that takes in villages includingNavan, Vars, Carslbad Springs and Sarsfield.

• Here are your candidates for the Cumberland byelection
• Cumberland candidates up against COVID-19

One candidate, Denis Labrche, stated days before the vote thathe was withdrawing from the race to take a promotion within the federal government, but his name remains on the ballot.

It has been an unusual campaign, with candidates going door-to-door wearing masks to talk to voters. Only two debates were held, both virtually.

The City of Ottawa has taken extra steps to hold the vote during thepandemic.

It received 1,400 requests for special mail-in ballots, which can still bedropped off at the elections office on Cyrville Road or at the city's client service centre in Orlanson Centrum Boulevard until 4:30 p.m. Monday. The city hasspecial tabulators specifically for those mail-in ballots.

Officials have also urged voters to appoint a proxy to cast ballots for themif they feel they can't make it in person.

• Election official urges proxy voting in Cumberland byelection

Those residents wanting to vote today can go to any of the following eight locations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Bearbrook Community Hall, 8720 Russell Rd.
• Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, 6020 Piperville Rd.
• Franois Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Blvd.
• Navan Memorial Centre, 1295 Colonial Rd.
• Redeemer Alliance Church, 4825 Innes Rd.
• R.J. Kennedy Arena and Community Hall,1115 Dunning Rd.
• Sarsfield Community Hall, 3585 Sarsfield Rd.
• South Fallingbrook Community Centre, 998 Valin St.

The cityhas set upacrylic shields at voting places, and will require people wearmasks. Stationery and pens will not be reused.