“I’ve worked hard in my life, I’ve never worked harder than this,” he told reporters after casting a ballot in his favour at a downtown polling station.
This is the fourth time Mr. Smitherman has voted for himself in an election, but he said this race has been different than the rest. “This is the biggest direct election in all of the country called Canada and that is a very substantial exercise and an insight into the power of the mayor of Toronto,” he said.
He tipped his hat to his “purple army” for their tireless efforts and his husband and young son for sacrificing family time along the campaign trail.
Mr. Smitherman appeared cool and confident: “I slept so well last night,” he said. “I put my trust and confidence in the hands of the people of the city of Toronto. They’ve had lots of time to mull this over, and I feel a great deal of confidence that when votes are cast and counted by 8 p.m. tonight they will lend their support to me.”
“The billiard room has never looked like this before,” said Mr. Smitherman as he walked into the polling station. “Thanks for doing what you’re doing today,” he told election workers, taking a brief pause, and pretending to think about his decision before making his mark.
Mr. Smitherman will be the first to vote on Monday; Rob Ford will cast his ballot in Etobicoke on Monday afternoon. Joe Pantalone voted in advance polls.