Over 100 candidates, backed by an electoral reform group, will contest Alberta’s byelection, breaking Canada’s record for the longest federal ballot ever.
Record-Breaking Byelection Draws 108 Candidates
A historic byelection in Alberta’s Battle River–Crowfoot riding is set to feature more than 100 candidates, the highest number ever seen on a federal ballot in Canada. As of Friday, 108 individuals have registered, with most backed by the Longest Ballot Committee—a group advocating for electoral reform through organized protest.
Reform Group Behind Mass Candidacy
The Longest Ballot Committee has been coordinating candidates in federal byelections to spotlight flaws in Canada’s electoral system. Their goal: to replace party-led election reform with a citizens’ assembly. By swamping the ballot with names, they aim to expose the limitations and confusion caused by the current system. Their approach has already caused metre-long ballots and delays in past elections.
Why the Byelection Matters
This byelection was triggered when the riding’s sitting MP, Damien Kurek, stepped down to make room for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a new seat. After losing in his former riding of Carleton in April, Poilievre is now attempting to re-enter Parliament from Alberta.
Pushback from Other Candidates
Not everyone supports the ballot overload. Poilievre has publicly denounced the tactic, calling it “unjust” and demanding a change in election laws to prevent future ballot protests. Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley also criticized the group in an open letter, arguing that their actions have confused voters and undermined grassroots candidates like herself.
Concerns Over Voter Confusion
Michael Harris of the Libertarian Party echoed similar concerns, warning that the influx of protest candidates threatens to drown out legitimate voices. “This mockery of the democratic process doesn’t just waste time—it actively harms genuine alternatives,” Harris said in a statement.
Candidate Defends the Protest
Despite the criticism, some candidates affiliated with the committee see their presence as meaningful. Jayson Cowan, a Métis member with disabilities, credited the group for enabling his first-ever candidacy. “This is no protest for me. It’s real,” Cowan stated. “They’re offering a fantastic democratic service that includes people like me.”
With the nomination deadline set for July 28, the number of registered candidates may still rise. The committee has set its sights on reaching 200 total names. Meanwhile, Elections Canada will need to prepare for one of the longest—and potentially most controversial—ballots in the nation’s history.
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