It’s official, electors in the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills will hit the polls once again following the departure of former MLA Nathan Cooper.
Cooper’s appointment to his new role in D.C. closed ten years of service as an MLA, and now, the riding is in need of a new member.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills Returning Officer Laura Ewert says the election process is still in its early stages, so the exact locations of voting places have yet to be set in stone; however, she maintains it is likely the same places will be chosen as in 2023.
“Venues have actually not been booked yet, because we just basically found out not much ahead of you, that this might happen at this time,” she says. “We will be booking venues in Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs, Crossfield, Trochu, Three Hills, Beiseker, Iricana, Lyndon, and Standard.”
Additionally, advanced polling will be made available in Olds, Carstairs, Three Hills, and Standard, during a five day period (Tuesday to Saturday) before the election.
For potential candidates, nominations will remain open until June 5th at 2:00 p.m. So far, three candidates have announced their intention to run for the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills slot being the candidates for the UCP, the Republican Party, and the New Democrats.
Special ballot voting options will also be available in the riding’s election office in the Old Three Hills Provincial Building, located at 128 3rd Avenue, South; however, given the ongoing concerns regarding Canada Post, Ewert says it might be best to handle any special balloting sooner than later, in-person, at the office.
“People who are not around during the advanced poll or polling day can either request a ballot or come into our office and vote beforehand,” she says. “Even before the candidates are finalized, they can come in and vote because they can vote for the party on those special ballots.”
“You can also request special ballots online and they will be mailed out – now the issue with that could be a mail strike, so that might be something to consider,” she adds.
Additional voter information, such as registration, ID requirements, and further candidate information is available on Elections Alberta’s website.
