The three main contenders in the Toronto mayoral race are statistically tied, according to results of a new poll.
A Forum Research poll asked more than 1,000 Toronto residents who they would vote for if the mayoral election was held the day of the survey, Monday, July 21. The poll showed that Olivia Chow has 29 per cent support, while John Tory has 28 per cent, and Rob Ford has 27.
Karen Stintz and David Soknacki were tied with 5 per cent each.
Despite support for the three leading candidates being so close, 59 per cent of respondents said that Ford should resign, compared to 37 per cent who said he shouldn't, and 5 per cent who were unsure.
Based on responses concerning age, income and region, pollsters say the biggest group of Ford supporters are aged 18-34, with a lower income, living in Etobicoke/York and Scarborough.
The poll also looked at approval ratings for the top three candidates. It found that 33 per cent of respondents approved of Ford, and 67 per cent disapproved.
Opinions seemed split on Chow, according to the poll, as the former Member of Parliament and city councillor showed a 54 per cent approval rating.
Tory came out on top, however, with the the highest approval rate: 67 per cent.
The telephone poll of 1,063 randomly selected Toronto residents is considered accurate to within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The Toronto municipal election takes place on Oct. 27.
