Poilievre among around 210 candidates in rural Alberta byelection

Ten candidates, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, are expected to debate tonight in the sprawling Alberta riding of Battle River – Crowfoot.

The debate will be hosted by the Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce in the area’s largest municipality.

This before the Aug. 18 byelection which could see Poilievre return to parliament despite his April loss.

Conservative David Kurek stepped down as the elected Member of Parliament for the riding so that Poilievre could run, despite Kurek having won his riding handily.

As of Monday, there are about 210 candidates running in the riding including Liberal Darcy Spady, NDP Katherine Swampy and Independent Bonnie Critchley among many others supported by the Longest Ballot Committee advocacy group.

Elections Canada has introduced adapted ballots that require voters to write the name of the candidate they wish to vote for on the ballot.

With files from the Canadian Press.

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