Elections Canada says voters in the Battle River–Crowfoot by-election will use an adapted write-in ballot at advance and election day polls, due to the large number of candidates running.
A total of 214 candidates have registered to run in the Aug. 18 federal by-election, which had already set a record as the longest ballot in Canadian history.
The write-in ballot has a blank space where electors will write the name of their preferred candidates.
To be counted, the ballot must include the candidate’s name. Electors may also write the name of the candidate’s political party, but ballots that list only a party name will be rejected.
Minor misspellings will not disqualify a ballot as long as the voter’s intent is clear. A complete list of confirmed candidates will be available at every voting table to assist electors.
As of the July 28 deadline, ten candidates are representing political parties in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding:
- Pierre Poilievre for the Conservative Party of Canada
- Darcy Spady for the Liberal Party of Canada
- Katherine Swampy for the New Democratic Party of Canada
- Ashley MacDonald for the Green Party of Canada
- Jonathan Bridges for the People’s Party of Canada
- Grant Abraham for the United Party of Canada
- Michael Harris for the Libertarian Party of Canada
- Jeff Willerton for the Christian Heritage Party of Canada
- Ahmed Hassan for the Centrist Party of Canada
- Kenneth Kirk for the Marijuana Party
- Bonnie Critchley is listed as an Independent
- Dylan Colquhoun is listed as an Independent
- Sarah Spanier is listed as an Independent
The remaining candidates are also running as Independents, but have registered under the Longest Ballot Committee initiative.
Elections Canada says the adapted ballots will maintain the same security and integrity features as traditional ballots. However, the agency acknowledges the new format may pose accessibility challenges for some voters. Braille resources, such as a candidate list and voting template, will only be available on election day, Monday, Aug. 18.
Voters who need help filling out their ballot may bring a friend, family member or caregiver. Election workers are also available to assist.
Electors can vote early by special ballot at the local Elections Canada office or apply online, by mail or by fax to vote by mail. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m.
Elections Canada also warns that the large number of candidates may delay the publication of official results on elections.ca.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
