Albertans vote in three byelections Monday 

In the southeast Edmonton suburb of Ellerslie, voters will choose their new MLA along with two other Alberta ridings. And Alberta’s opposition NDP leader says one rural riding will be a referendum on Alberta separatism.

“That third one’s a little iffy, in Olds-Didsbury,” said Naheed Nenshi, Alberta NDP Leader.

Even Alberta’s opposition leader Naheed Nenshi admits the rural Alberta seat that was formerly held by former UCP Speaker of the House Nathan Cooper is an uphill battle for the New Democrats, when Albertans in three ridings across the province vote in byelections Monday.

While Nenshi will be running in the considered a safe NDP seat of Old Strathcona, which was formerly held by Rachel Notley. Nenshi told CityNews at a campaign event that he sees’ the race in Olds-Didsbury as a vote on Alberta separation, with Alberta Republican Party leader Cam Davies running for the seat.

The folks down there for this byelection, which isn’t going to change the government, have a great opportunity to send Danielle Smith a message without breaking the government. 

Political watcher agrees with the Alberta Republicans, and the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition running against the UCP in Olds-Didsbury – all eyes will be on the election results. 

“The current UCP government is worried about a split within the party. Some of these candidates represent a threat of that split — and if they gain in this byelection, then it looks like the United Conservative party has more to worry about on their right flank,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.

But the UCP has another battle, trying to make inroads in Edmonton.

“We have been doing an awful lot to show Edmonton how much we love Edmonton. I know in the past it has felt that someone gets elected in Calgary and Edmonton feels neglected, or someone from Edmonton gets elected and Calgary feels neglected. We don’t want to neglect anyone,” said Premier Danielle Smith on Wednesday.

Premier Smith made a pitch for Naresh Bhardwaj in Edmonton Elerslie on Wednesday night. The UCP is hoping to flip the riding blue. Meanwhile, the NDP leader is appearing alongside their candidate Gurtej Brar on Friday, as they hope to keep Edmonton orange.

Polling in the three ridings closes at 8 p.m. Monday.