Alberta byelection advanced poll numbers show high turnout
Premier, cabinet ministers drawing out the vote in Calgary and Edmonton
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 roughly 10,000 votes were cast between Oct. 22-25 in the four electoral divisions holding byelections:
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.- political scientist Duane Bratt
In the 2012 general election,12,335 ballots were cast in advanced polls in those same electoral divisions.
Political scientist Duane Bratt said Monday 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.