Millions of Canadians went to the polls today to cast ballots in an election that many believe to be the most important in their lifetime. It will decide the country’s next leader — who will go toe to toe with President Trump. Follow for updates.

Polling has suggested that Canada’s Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, entered the day with a slight advantage over the Conservative Party and its leader, Pierre Poilievre. Results are expected to come in later this evening. We will be tracking them here.

Just a couple months ago, Canada was in store for a very different election. The country was struggling with high costs, high unemployment and a surge in homelessness and substance abuse. Many Canadians blamed a decade of Liberal rule under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservatives led by 25 points in the polls.

Then something extraordinary happened, our Canada bureau chief, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, said. Trump imposed tariffs that could significantly damage Canada’s economy and repeatedly threatened to annex the country. Suddenly, Carney — a political novice and former central banker who became prime minister after Trudeau resigned — appeared to many voters as the man best positioned to defend the country against Trump’s attacks.

If the Liberals win, Matina said, “that will indicate that Trump is a potent factor in the politics of America’s allies.”

For more: We talked to the comedian Mike Myers about his decision to get involved in Canada’s politics. He is backing the Liberals.