Rumour: March Call/April Vote Alberta Election

[killer_carlson]

Not really a surprise but had a source with strong political ties suggest an election will be called after the throne speech or budget in mid March.

Many opposition party ridings will be scrambling to fill spots so roll up your sleeves and run

[Dion]

A waste of 20 million for an election that is not needed!

[Mass_nerder]

My political geography professor has been talking about this like it's a done deal.
Said he was asked by one of the parties to run (wouldn't tell us which party, but it definitely wasn't the pcs).

[Dion]

I attended a town hall meeting by Danielle Smith last week and she made strong suggestions this was happening. Her arguement was that there a lot PC MLA's quitting and it might be better to have an election this year to avoid all the byelections.

She went on to say there would be no PST and no increases to corporate taxes or royalties. The common folk would be bearing the brunt of any tax increases.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I'm hearing April 20th. (4-20). Serious.

Maybe the Greens will sweep?

[darklord700]

Vote Reform!

[Northendzone]

What a waste of money......I wonder if prentice will pull a stelmach and promise joe citizen something silly ( like the elimination of ahc premiums) to ensure the obvious outcome

[Ace]

This may break the world record for lowest voter turnout.

[evman150]

Terrible thread title. I thought this was a report of a possible federal election as reported in the province (Vancouver tabloid).

Then again, it might just be the drinking I've done during and after that terrible game tonight.

[photon]

Didn't I hear that they'd have to change the law to have an early election? What's the point of fixed election dates legislation if you can just change the legislation when you feel like it?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by photon

Didn't I hear that they'd have to change the law to have an early election? What's the point of fixed election dates legislation if you can just change the legislation when you feel like it?

Doesn't look like it. Here's the bill: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDA...2_bill-021.pdf

38.1(1) Nothing in this section affects the powers of the Lieutenant Governor, including the power to dissolve the Legislature, in Her Majesty’s name, when the Lieutenant Governor sees fit.

The flexibility needs to be there in case of a non-confidence vote, but it does seem silly that the legislation really serves no purpose if they can just call an election when the Premier sees fit.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Ace

This may break the world record for lowest voter turnout.

Nah, we are scheduled to have a byelection this spring for one trustee on the public school board. That will the lowest turnout for sure.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

I'm hearing April 20th. (4-20). Serious.

Maybe the Greens will sweep?

interesting. That was the same date I was given as well.

[Slava]

Whats the over/under for PC seats? Maybe 80? I think I would take the under, but if the line was 75 I would probably take the over. This will be crushing for the opposition I think.

[Resolute 14]

Honestly, voting in this election would largely be a waste of time. Only question is if my sense of duty can outrank my apathy.

[killer_carlson]

This election may actually see independant candidates elected.

[Jacks]

Should be interesting to see how the media frames it, if they go on the attack there could be some backlash (unlikely). I was the first one to say that Prentice should get a mandate before making major changes but if he calls an election when the opposition parties haven't even had a chance to choose leaders/candidates that comes across as a little slimy. In the end people probably won't care as usual.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

This election may actually see independant candidates elected.

Where? I haven't seen any high profile independents running, but I definitely might have missed them. Winning as an independent here would be extremely difficult I think.

Originally Posted by Jacks

Should be interesting to see how the media frames it, if they go on the attack there could be some backlash (unlikely). I was the first one to say that Prentice should get a mandate before making major changes but if he calls an election when the opposition parties haven't even had a chance to choose leaders/candidates that comes across as a little slimy. In the end people probably won't care as usual.

I guess I go back and forth. Part of me thinks that yeah, its going to be a hollow victory, but then the other part of me thinks its brilliant. I mean if you're Prentice why wouldn't you go now? Its not his problem that the opposition basically has nothing in their favour at this point.

[killer_carlson]

I think you'll see a void of credible opposition candidates in many ridings. It would comes as no surprise if only the PCs ran candidates in every riding in fact.

This leaves voters looking for an alternative and a well organized, credible, efficient independant candidate may never get a better look than this election.

[chedder]

The way our province's politics have gone for the past 10 years, my interest couldn't be lower. I'm guessing I'm in the majority in this view too. The only thing I hope for is that Danielle loses her seat in glorious fashion