71% more advance voters turn out for Calgary-Lougheed byelection than last time

Four days of advance polls drew3,534 early voters for the byelectionin Calgary-Lougheed, an increase of 71 per centover the last time people in the riding went to the polls.

In the 2015 general election,2,062 advance votes were cast, Elections Alberta said in a release Monday.

The polls were openfrom Wednesday to Saturday.

The riding became vacant when MLA Dave Rodney stepped down to allow new United Conservative Party Leader JasonKenneyto run for a seat in the legislature.

The seven candidates running are:

• Larry Heather, Independent.
• Jason Kenney, United Conservative Party.
• David Khan, Alberta Liberal Party.
• Wayne Leslie, Independent.
• Lauren Thorsteinson, Reform Party.
• RomyTittel, Green Party of Alberta.
• Phillip van derMerwe, Alberta NDP.

The byelection is set for Thursday.

Voting locations will be open from9 a.m. to 8p.m.

CBC Calgary is profiling the candidates for the major parties. Here's who we've talked to so far.

• Get to know your Calgary-Lougheed byelection candidates: Romy Tittel
• Get to know your Calgary-Lougheed byelection candidates: David Khan
• Get to know your Calgary-Lougheed byelection candidates: Jason Kenney

More information on the byelection is available fromElections Alberta.

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