The numbers are far from finalized at this point, but voters showed up in droves at the polls on Election Day in Alberta, posting the strongest showing in decades in the province.
Early estimates show that 59 percent of eligible voters cast their ballot, which is a huge improvement from the 50.9 percent average across the last six elections.
While it didn’t break the 60 percent mark, that saw Ralph Klein elected premier in 1993, it sure did come close.
Advance polling numbers factored in quite a bit this time around as well, with voter turnout at advance polls coming in at 30 percent higher than in 2012.
Approximately 235,000 people cast their ballots in advanced voting, breaking a record that had just been set.
179,820 voters cast their ballots in advance polls in 2012.
Don Martin, with CTV's Power Play, says that with such high voter turnouts, it usually means a revolutionary decision is on the way.
"Ralph Klein’s Miracle on the Prairie election in 1993, a voter gamble over what was expected to be a strong Liberal challenge, set the bar at its highest level. Last night, as Rachel Notley’s orange mop swished away the Progressive Conservative dynasty, that record was very nearly beaten. Big turnout means big problems for the status quo."
Martin says that voters will show up in record numbers when it's clear that they want their voice to be heard.
"Last night, the voter turnout medium became a message wrapped in a PC pink slip."
As for the seat breakdown in Alberta following last night’s historic win:
- NDP – 53
- Wildrose Party – 21 (Official opposition)
- PC – 10
- Liberal – 1
- Alberta Party – 1
For full coverage of the Alberta Election, check out our election page.
