Thousands of Albertans voting early

Early voting has started in Alberta at advance poll locations, and the turnout has been strong. Election Alberta says they’ve seen almost 30-thousand votes in advance polls so-far.

“We really have some major decisions on the table this time around and philosophically how are we going to go as opposed to ‘just steady the course, it’s the same thing over and over again,'” said one early voter CityNews spoke to.

It’s in an important election for Albertans casting their ballots in advanced polls ahead of next Monday’s election. In a tightly contested race between the UCP and NDP — every vote will count.

Advanced polls are open until Saturday. Others casting their vote earlier saying work needs to be done on making voting more accessible.

“Asking a blind person to use a touch screen is a bit much,” explained a blind Edmontonian. “I was the first blind person they had worked with and obviously they have a lot to learn, but they will. They’re very willing and helpful.”

Edmontonians are not the only ones casting their votes early. In Calgary on Tuesday Premier Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley casting their votes in advance polls.

Advanced voting is more important than ever this election, with thousands of Albertans displaced by wildfires burning in the province. Elections Alberta says people can vote anywhere in advanced polls.

“So you can visit any advanced voting location in the province and there’s more than 300 of them. You still need to bring your ID or have someone vouch for you when you show up, but it doesn’t matter what location you visit,” said Robyn Bell, Elections Alberta.

Bell says in the 2019 provincial election, around 700-thousand Albertans came out to vote in advanced polls and Elections Alberta expects a similar number in 2023.