The election races in Kitchener South-Hespeler and Cambridge are going to be "horse races" as voters head to the polls on Monday, Wilfrid Laurier University associate professor Barry Kay says.

Kay teaches political science and his research includes seat projections for the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion (LISPOP) website.

The LISPOP site as well as the poll-tracking website 338 Canada say Kitchener South-Hespeler and Cambridge are too close to call.

"They could go either way," Kay said of those two races.

In Waterloo region, Kay said the races are mostly between Liberals and Conservatives "although there could be some surprises."

Polls don't matter to average voters

Kay was also asked about polls and how they factor into people's decision making.

"The average voter I don't think is paying much attention at all," Kay said of the polls, noting people who vote strategically may be more likely to look at the polls to make a decision on who to cast a ballot for in the election.

He noted there are websites like CBC's Poll Tracker, Laurier's own LISPOP seat projections and 338 Canada, but, he said, "I don't think most people go to those sites."

You can listen to the whole interview with Barry Kay on The Morning Edition here: