Voters in Manitoba are heading to the polls in a provincial election.

Premier Heather Stefanson officially launched the campaign on Tuesday.

“I just came from the lieutenant governor’s house and I’m happy to say that the writ has officially been dropped,” Stefanson said during a news conference.

The incumbent Progressive Conservatives are seeking their third term in government when voters cast their ballots on Oct. 3.

However, that could prove challenging with polls showing the PCs and NDP, led by former broadcaster Wab Kinew, in a close race.

The PCs held 35 of the province’s 57 seats at dissolution, the NDP had 18 seats, the Liberals had three seats, and one seat was vacant.

During the last election in 2019, the PCs secured 47 per cent of the vote, followed by the NDP with 31 per cent, the Liberals with 14 per cent, and the Greens with six per cent.

Stefanson has served as premier since Oct. 2021. She was chosen to replace Brian Pallister, who resigned two months earlier.