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1h ago

Poilievre Seeks Return to Commons as 214-Candidate By-Election Begins

Elections Canada deployed blank write-in ballots to accommodate 214 candidates ahead of today’s vote in the Conservative stronghold

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks at a Stampede breakfast in Calgary, Alta., Saturday, July 5, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A Pierre Poilievre campaign sign on a supporter's fence in Camrose, Alta., Aug. 11.
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Canada's Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre campaigns in April 2025

Overview

  • Over 214 candidates, mostly fielded by the Longest Ballot Committee protesters, have forced Elections Canada to use its first blank write-in ballots in a federal contest.
  • Polls opened at 8:30 a.m. MT and will close at 8:30 p.m., with counting allowed to start two hours early to manage the unprecedented slate.
  • About 14,454 ballots were cast during advance polls, roughly matching the turnout for April’s general election in the riding.
  • Poilievre is widely expected to win the safe Battle River–Crowfoot seat and resume his role as leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons.
  • The margin of victory will be closely watched as a measure of Poilievre’s standing ahead of a Conservative leadership review scheduled for January.