If advance polls are any indication, Ontario can expect voter turnout numbers in Thursday’s provincial election to bounce back from a historic low in 2007.

Almost 625,000 Ontarians have already voted in advance polls, according to numbers released Monday by Elections Ontario. That’s an increase from the 452,000 who cast ballots in advanced polls ahead of Ontario’s last provincial election in 2007.

The 2007 Ontario election set a historic low for voter turnout, with only 52.6 per cent of eligible voters casting ballots.

Elections Ontario expanded the ways voters can file special ballots for this election. Special ballots allow eligible voters to cast their vote prior to election day.

Advance voting began the day after the election was called on Sept 8. Electors could apply to vote by special ballot and vote at their local returning office, by mail or by home visit.

Advance polls opened on Sept. 21 in the 144 returning offices and satellite offices and at additional area advance polls in each electoral district. Advance polls closed Sept. 30.