Elections Canada sign in front a polling station, undated. Image: staff photo

Write-in votes introduced to combat long ballot protest in key Alberta byelection

Jacob Moore July 29, 2025 10:24 am Last Updated on August 25, 2025 10:14 am

Elections Canada is shaking up how it tallies votes in a crucial byelection.

A total of 214 candidates are confirmed to run in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in Alberta, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Most of the names are part of a group protesting for electoral reform called the Longest Ballot Committee.

They had 91 candidates on the ballot in the Carleton riding during the federal election, where Poilievre lost his long-held seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy, and they have more than doubled that for this by-election.

But voters will have one blank space to write their preferred candidate’s name.

It could make a difference for Poilievre, who needs to win to get back into parliament.

IMPORTANT❕ Elections Canada will use an adapted ballot for the by-election in Battle River–Crowfoot 🗳️

Electors will need to write the name of the candidate they are voting for on the ballot. https://t.co/UX6ANA8lLt pic.twitter.com/lXxzAU906z

— Elections Canada (@ElectionsCan_E) July 28, 2025

Jacob Moore

Jacob Moore is a reporter for Acadia Broadcasting based in Halifax. He’s worked at both CBC and CTV, as well as the student newspaper at St. Thomas University. Send him any story tips at mooreja@radioabl.ca.

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