By By Canadian Press with files from Regan Tate

Provincial Politics

Voters go to polls in by-election with Alberta Premier Smith seeking legislature seat

Nov 8, 2022 | 12:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to find out today if she has a seat in the legislature.

Smith is one of five candidates running in a by-election in the southern constituency of Brooks-Medicine Hat.

She was the only candidate in the UCP leadership race who did not hold a seat in the Legislature.

Smith campaigned on a plan to complete the twinning of Highway 3 and a restructuring of Alberta Health Services to address the crisis in healthcare.

Smith has faced criticism from the other candidates who argue this is not her home riding.

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The NDP’s Gwendoline Dirk is hoping to take the seat away from the UCP. Dirk has made a point of emphasizing that she is from the area. Dirk’s campaign has been bolstered by support from Opposition Leader Rachel Notley and other high-profile NDP MLAs who have been doorknocking in the constituency.

Former Brooks Mayor and Alberta Party Leader Barry Morishita is feeling positive about his campaign. He has spent a lot of time knocking on doors and listening to voters’ concerns. He believes residents want local representation to address hospital wait times and high inflation that is impacting affordability.

Two other candidates are also running, Bob Blayone of the Independence Party, and Jeevan Mangat of the Wildrose Independence Party.

The seat became open a month ago when Michaela Frey, the United Conservative Party (UCP) legislature member, resigned.

There are 34,060 eligible voters, and advance voting shows only about 4,231 cast votes, which is about half the total of those who came out to vote early in the 2019 provincial election.

Polls are open until 8 pm. Voters unsure of where to cast their ballot can check out the Elections Alberta website at www.electionsalberta.ca and click on Where Do I Vote?

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2022