Advance voter turnout in the Alberta byelection where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is seeking a return to Parliament is nearly identical to the early voting numbers seen during the 2025 general election. Elections Canada estimates that 14,454 electors in the Battle River–Crowfoot riding cast ballots during the four days of advance polling from Friday to Monday, just 20 more than the 14,434 who voted early in April’s federal election. Officials noted that some polling stations have yet to report final figures.
In a first for the riding, voters were given blank ballots to write in their preferred candidate’s name, rather than choosing from a printed list. The change was necessary due to a record 214 candidates running in the byelection, a feat driven by the “Longest Ballot Committee” as part of their push for electoral reform. A reference booklet listing all candidates was available at polling stations.
The byelection was triggered in June by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek, paving the way for Poilievre to contest the seat after losing his Carleton, Ontario, riding in the spring election. Battle River–Crowfoot, one of the safest Conservative strongholds in the country, saw Kurek win with 83 per cent of the vote in April.
While some observers have questioned whether Poilievre needs to match that level of support to reinforce his leadership, Alberta Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner sidestepped the speculation, saying she witnessed “a lot of enthusiasm and support” for Poilievre during campaigning. She emphasized the caucus’s backing of their leader, praising his work ethic and expressing confidence in a strong fall session with him back in the House of Commons.
Poilievre faces Liberal candidate Darcy Spady, NDP candidate Katherine Swampy, People’s Party candidate Jonathan Bridges, Green candidate Ashley MacDonald, and independent candidate Bonnie Critchley. The remaining voters in the riding will cast their ballots on election day, Monday, August 18.