‘Strong’ voter turnout in Calgary-Foothills advance polls

CALGARY – Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer says there has been “strong voter turnout” at the advance polls for Calgary-Foothills.

A byelection will be held in the riding on Thursday, but advance polls were previously available for four days starting August 26.

READ MORE: Calgary-Foothills byelection: complete candidate list

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Glen Resler released numbers from the advance polls on Wednesday, saying 4,146 electors cast a ballot.

The number represents 12 per cent of the total electorate.

“We experienced a strong voter turnout at the advance polls,” said Resler in a news release. “In comparison, Calgary-Foothills electors cast 2,968 ballots at the October 2014 Provincial By-Election and cast 4,062 votes during the 2015 Provincial General Election.”

The electoral district was a Progressive Conservative stronghold for years, but has been without representation since former premier Jim Prentice resigned his seat shortly after he won the riding in the May 5 provincial election.

Polls for the Calgary-Foothills byelection are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and unofficial results will be available on the elections Alberta website starting at 8 p.m.