7 candidates on the ballot in Sault Ste. Marie by-election

There are seven names on the ballot in the upcoming by-election in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., including some very prominent local politicians, but it's safe to say that the name at the bottom will catch the most eyes.

Above Znoneofthe is the legal name of a southern Ontario man formerly known as Sheldon Bergson.

"I'm thefellawho did get his name legally changed to None of the Above to put it on a ballot," he told voters in Sault Ste. Marie earlier this week.

He acknowledged that it's a bit of a gimmick and good marketing for his candidacy, but maintained that he is passionate about democracy. Znoneofthe is trying to convince voters In Sault Ste. Marie to to make him MPP for the year and change before the general election in June, 2018 and see if that inspires the government to send more funding to the city.

"It's like a trial run for me, it's only for 13 months and then you get to pick again," he said.

Another colourful character running to be the next Sault Ste. Marie MPP is John Turmel, who holds the world record with 91 election runs, including the 2015 provincial by-election in Sudbury, Ont.

Another parachute candidate is Gene Balfour of FenelonFalls, who is carrying the banner for the Libertarian Party, while public health employee Kara Flannigan is making her third run for the Green Party in the northeastern Ontario city.

The three main parties are running three well-known municipal politicians. The Liberals are fielding former mayor Debbie Amaroso, while current Ward 6 city councillorsJoe Krmpotich and Ross Romano are running for the NDP and Progressive Conservatives respectively.

Their fellow councillor, Matthew Shoemaker, said it makes for interesting dynamics in a race where these candidates all know each other well.

"They probably have a bit of a sense of what the other one isthinking," he said.

"It does not appear that they're holding punches against one another, despite the fact that, depending on who wins, some of them will have to work together in the future," Shoemaker added.

Sault Ste. Marie voters go to the polls to choose a replacement for David Orazietti on June 1. Orazietti announced in December he was stepping away from politics due to family matters.