Judging by opinion polls, there seems little doubt Canadians simply participated in the wrong election last month. The numbers show the federal returns brought out the lowest number of voters in Canadian history.
But ask some of those same people who stayed home if they'd cast their ballot for either U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama or John McCain, and most say they'd be there in a flash. It's already expected to be the largest election turnout in history down south, with more than 27 million making their choices in advance polls.
Opinion takers here indicate 85 per cent of Canadians would vote for Obama if they were taking part in the American election. And that comes despite the fact the Conservatives were returned to power here on October 14th, albeit still in a minority status.
Some Americans who find themselves in T.O. on the day before the big vote admit they're anxious to get back so they can cast their ballot.
CityNews coincidentally found two men who live in the exact same suburb of Chicago in town, but they won't be around long. Both are leaving to be back in time to participate on Tuesday. And both are Obama supporters.
"I think to the country it would mean that there would be people coming together, all different nationalities, ethnicities and diversities coming together, and I think that's the way to move a country ahead," suggests Dr. Eugene Thomas. "I want to vote tomorrow!"
Others are manning the phones in the 416 and the 905 urging Americans living here to get to the polls in time. "Hi. This is Joe Green," one worker for Democrats Abroad intones over the line. "I volunteer for the Barack Obama campaign."
Canadians seem to agree with his choice. "The U.S. needs a change that's going to impact the entire world," explains Sarah, a Toronto resident about her backing of the Democrat. "We've had enough of a Republican government there."
"I'm going for Obama," echoes Shawn Murphy, also from T.O. "It seems Obama mania's taking over down there."
Some feel inspired by his rhetoric of change and his meteoric rise to prominence. "Absolutely, absolutely," concurs Jacqueline Daponte. "I think that, as a direct result of his achievements, we can all look at ourselves and try to strive for just that little bit more."
Veteran political observer Warren Kinsella agrees Obama is the likely winner but wonders what his potential ascension might mean for Canada. "What we have to be looking for is what it means to trade," he advises. "Is he going to open up NAFTA? Are we going to be looking at more protectionism in auto and manufacturing?"
Obama has gone on record as saying he'll keep the North American Free Trade Agreement but wants to make some still unspecified 'changes' to the document.
You may not be able to vote, but you can definitely party with the best of them. There are a number of public events taking place in T.O., turning the election into almost something akin to a sporting event.
It definitely appears that most of the big parties favour an Obama victory. There are a plethora of gatherings celebrating what many see as a sure win by the Democrats but
CityNews was only able to locate one major meeting of local Republicans who hope to get together to toast a McCain-Palin upset.
Here's the list:
Now Magazine is celebrating the democratic process at the
Bloor Cinema at
506 Bloor St. W., with results projected on the movie screen and a prize for the best Sarah Palin look-alike. It's free if you're a member of the cinema but $3 if you're not.
A group called
Canada Votes Obama is holding a bash at Wayne Gretzky's at
99 Blue Jays Way. Just don't expect it to be a partisan event.
Speaking of partisans, the Democrats Abroad Toronto chapter is holding a "Goodbye To Bush" party starting at 6:30pm at the
Plaza Flamingo Restaurant at
423 College St. near Bathurst. A $25 charge gets you food and a good seat to watch the returns come in.
Spacing Magazine, a small Toronto publication, is planning to hold an
impromptu gathering at Dundas Square if Obama wins. They're waiting for the first election returns to declare the Democratic candidate a winner before starting their gathering.
Obamamania is holding a party at the
Harlem Restaurant at
67 Richmond St. E. starting at 7pm. It's $20 to get in.
Republicans Abroad are hoping McCain surprises the pundits and winds up winning the night. They'll be at a free event at the Lone Star Texas Grill at
200 Front St. W. near Simcoe. They'd prefer an
email in advance if you're coming.