Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's legacy will be put to the test today as voters choose who will inherit the late politician's west-end ward at the heart of so-called Ford Nation.

A dozen people are vying for the job.

But the Ford family name has thrown the spotlight on one candidate in particular during the municipal byelection campaign -- Michael Ford.

He's the former mayor's nephew, and a relative newcomer to politics.

Despite Rob Ford's headline-grabbing antics -- including an admission he smoked crack which in office -- some observers say the race is the younger Ford's to lose.

But some of Ford's opponents say the lasting affection for Rob Ford may not guarantee a seat for his nephew, adding that many residents are aching for a shake-up.

Rob Ford died in March from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.