CAMROSE — Voters are heading to the polls today in a byelection for the Battle River—Crowfoot riding in rural Alberta. This election is attracting significant national attention due to its unusual circumstances. The seat became vacant when Conservative MP Damien Kurek resigned shortly after the spring election. His departure allowed party leader Pierre Poilievre to run for the seat. Poilievre previously lost in the April election after serving seven consecutive terms in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton.

The byelection is taking place in one of the safest Conservative districts in Canada, and Poilievre is widely anticipated to secure a substantial victory. However, he faces competition from over 200 candidates, many of whom are affiliated with a protest group known as the Longest Ballot Committee. This record number of candidates has led Elections Canada to implement a modified ballot system, requiring voters to write in their preferred candidate's name.

Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. MT. Due to the unique ballot format, Elections Canada has indicated that the vote counting process may take longer than usual. In advance voting, more than 14,000 ballots have already been cast. The riding has over 86,000 eligible voters, making this byelection a significant event in the region.