With the cutoff now past, five candidates will appear on the election ballot for the Airdrie-Cochrane constituency. Now with just 15 days to go, many of the major pieces have fallen into place for the Alberta election.

Danielle Cameron of the Alberta Independence Party was confirmed late last week, joining previously declared candidates: Steve Durrell, NDP; Peter Guthrie, UCP; Matthew Morrisey, FCP; and Len Raincock, Alberta Party.

So Many Ways to be Counted In

With numerous options and time slots for voting, it has never been more convenient to vote in an Alberta provincial election

Advance polls open across Alberta on Tuesday, Apr. 9 and remain open until Sat. Apr. 13, operating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Electors may vote at any advance poll location in the province.

In Cochrane, you can cast your ballot in advance at the Returning Office, 215 and 215B 100 Grande Ave. There'll also be an advance station at the Bearspaw Lions Club, 25249 Nagway Rd. Go online to Election Alberta to pinpoint other locations.

On election day, Apr. 16, electors may only vote at the polling station assigned for their place of residence. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Ballots

You may only vote using a special ballot if you are unable to vote at the advance polls or on Election Day if you are:

  • physically incapacitated;
  • away from your electoral division;
  • an inmate;
  • an election officer, candidate, official agent or scrutineer; or
  • living in a remote area, as defined in the Election Act.

Requests for a special ballot to be mailed out, or to be picked up by a designated person, can only be made until Monday, Apr. 8 at 6 p.m. In-person requests for a special ballot can be made at the Returning Office here in Cochrane until the close of polls on election day.

You don't have to register in advance but it could save time

While it does save time on election day to register in advance to vote, it is not required. If you're not already on the voters' list you can register when you arrive at the polling station.

If you want to get that out of the way now you can register through Voterlink until Apr. 2 or register in person at the Returning Office until Apr. 6. Authorized identification is required.

Canadian citizens who reside in Alberta and are at least 18 years of age or older on election day are eligible to vote in the provincial general election.

Format set for Election Forum

The Cochrane Eagle and Cochrane Chamber of Commerce are jointly hosting a candidates forum on the main floor of the Cochrane Lions Events Centre on Apr. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The chamber's questions will be based upon Vote Prosperity, a 2019 election platform for the Alberta Chamber of Commerce that aims to promote economic growth and business priorities.

Eagle editor Chris Puglia, who is moderating the forum, says the first 40 to 45 minutes will see the Eagle and Chamber ask alternating questions. That will be followed by a break when those attending can submit written questions. It will resume with more questions from the Eagle/Chamber, followed by questions from those attending the forum. Candidates will then be provided two minutes each to summarize.

"The only thing we that we're asking the public is that they be cognizant of, for the lack of a better word, their decorum because this is a pretty heated election," says Puglia, "So we're hoping that everyone can stay civil and respect the candidates when they speak."

All but one candidate have confirmed their attendance so far. Organizers are waiting on final word from Vern Raincock, of the Alberta Party.

Puglia says coffee and pastries will be available at no charge and the Cochrane Lions will have a concession open for those wishing to purchase food.

The Eagle independently hosted a municipal election forum at the events centre in September 2017 that they estimate attracted about 300 people. It was in the centre's smaller lounge and this time there will be room for upwards of 600 people on the centre's main floor.

READ MORE:

A Few Things You Need to Know About the Election