A University of Windsor political science professor will be keeping an eye on voter turnout across Windsor-Essex.
Cheryl Collier told AM800's The Morning Drive that municipal elections tend to have lower voter turnout compared to the federal and provincial elections.
Collier is not sure why voter turnout is lower at the municipal level given it impacts the decisions about things like schools, roads and parks -- things that residents come across everyday.
"This is a great opportunity to have a say on what the vision is for your area, if you have something that's always bothered you that you would like to talk to your councillor about this is a great opportunity to do that," she says. "It's unfortunate that we don't see a high level of engagement at the municipal level."
She believes municipal voter turnout depends on the races.
"You'll see somebody, a challenger that will seems to be catching on so that kind of excitement around the race and the potential to make a change is usually a good indicator that voter turnout will be a little bit higher," says Collier. "I don't know if we see that this time around particularly in Windsor."
The polls close at 8pm Monday.
In Windsor incumbent Drew Dilkens is up against former city staffer and chamber of commerce chair Matt Marchand. Frank Dyck, Tom Hensel and perpetual candidate Ernie Lamont are also running.
Essex could see a changing of the guard after Mayor Ron McDermott decided not to seek re-election.
Larry Snively and Ron Rogers represent a current council that many feel has its progress overshadowed by infighting with newcomers Rob Shepley and Katie McGuire-Blais filling out the field.
A new mayor is also certain in LaSalle after the retirement of Ken Antaya — former mayor Gary Baxter will take-on outgoing deputy mayor Marc Bondy.
Deputy Mayor Hilda MacDonald will try her hand in the big chair in Leamington; she's going up against incumbent John Paterson who has gone unopposed for some time.
Bruce Medcalf will also be on the ballot.
A couple of political veterans won't have to fight for their seat at the table in Tecumseh's Gary McNamara and Lakeshore's Tom Bain.
Pelee Island Mayor Rick Masse decided to step away from politics; Raymond Durocher was the lone resident to throw his hat in the ring and will be acclaimed.
When the polls close join AM800 for 'Windsor-Essex Votes 2018.' AM800's Paul McDonald will host our election night broadcast, joined by Cheryl Collier in providing details and analysis of the vote results. AM800's team of reporters will also be out across the area covering the various election races.
You can also follow our coverage online, on Facebook and on Twitter.