Lethbridge-West candidates campaign ahead of Dec. 18 byelection – Lethbridge

All three candidates in Lethbridge-West are working hard to encourage voters to participate in the upcoming byelection despite the ongoing postal strike.

The competition leading up to the Dec. 18 vote is intense, even in the cold weather. With three candidates on the ballot, all of them are urging voters to make their voices heard.

“We encourage our supporters to vote early so they don’t have to wait until the last minute,” said NDP candidate Rob Miyashiro.

UCP candidate John Middleton-Hope echoed the sentiment, stating, “We want to ensure that people get out and vote.”

Alberta Party candidate Layton Veverka emphasized the importance of awareness, saying, “We will be out there, putting up signs, and letting people know that there is a third option available.”

The timing of the election has raised concerns about potential low voter turnout, with NDP leader Naheed Nenshi suggesting that the UCP may be hoping for decreased participation due to various factors.

However, Middleton-Hope defended against these claims, pointing out a historic turnout in a recent winter byelection.

“The New Democrats, as you well know, called an election back in 2017 on the 14th of December. How’s that any different?”

Nenshi attributed the high voter turnout in 2017 to the Calgary-Lougheed byelection, where former premier Jason Kenney secured his seat.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact of the Canada Post strike on the election process.

“Because of the postal strike, you will not be receiving a card like you normally do. Don’t worry, you don’t need the card,” reassured Nenshi.

Elections Alberta has implemented various measures to ensure that voting information reaches all individuals through advertisements on traditional and social media platforms, as well as flyers.

Despite the challenges, the candidates are actively addressing the concerns of the voters.

“I had meaningful discussions with people in their homes about today’s economics,” Veverka shared.

Due to limited resources, door-knocking has been a challenge for the Alberta Party candidate, Veverka. Meanwhile, the other candidates have knocked on thousands of doors.

Miyashiro highlighted healthcare, affordability, CPP, and education as key issues for voters, while Middleton-Hope reported similar concerns across the constituency.

“When I win this election, I’m not only representing the Conservatives, I’m representing all of the citizens of west Lethbridge,” Middleton-Hope stated.

Nenshi, however, downplayed Middleton-Hope’s potential impact, suggesting he would be a minor player in the government.

A public forum will be held at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch on Dec. 10, with all three candidates invited to participate.

“I’m not a full-time politician. I’m a working-class, blue-collar person that needs to do a job and support his family,” Veverka explained.

The Alberta Liberal Party has chosen not to field a candidate in this byelection.

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