Voter discontent over hydro rates is expected to play a part in the outcome of two provincial by-elections as voters go to the polls Thursday in the Ottawa and Niagara regions.

Ottawa Vanier has gone Liberal in the past 13 provincial elections but Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown believes there is enough anti-government sentiment that the riding is now now winnable for his party.

The other riding up for grabs is Niagara West Glanbrook.  It has been a conservative stronghold since before the party’s candidate, 19 year old Sam Oosterhoff, was born.  He’ll vote for the first time.

Mid term by-elections tend to go against the government in power.  Brown’s PC’s have won the last 3 in a row.  However, no matter the outcome, the Liberal’s will still hold a majority at Queen’s Park.

Polls are open Thursday from 9 am until 9 pm.