Alberta byelection advanced poll numbers show high turnout
Early numbers measuring the votes cast in advance polls indicate voter turnout is likely to be high for a byelection.
Elections Alberta released numbers today that show a total of about 10,000 votes were cast between Oct. 22-25 in each of the four electoral divisions holding byelections: Calgary-Elbow, Calgary-Foothills, Calgary-West, and Edmonton-Whitemud.
In the 2012 general election,12,335 ballots were cast in advanced polls in those same electoral divisions.
Political scientist Duane Bratt said Monday morning a high turnout is to be expected.
“I have a feeling this number will be a lot closer to general election numbers because it’s not a normal byelection. You’ve got the premier running, you’ve got cabinet ministers running, you’ve got TV ads going on,” said Bratt.
A typical byelection turnout is around 35-40 per cent, where Alberta would normally see a turnout of around 60 per cent in a general election, he said.
Alberta’s chief electoral officer Glen Resler says election staff are prepared for a strong turnout on election day.
Voting stations are open today until 8 p.m.
A complete list of polling day voting locations is available here.
