Write-in votes introduced to combat long ballot protest in key Alberta byelection

Elections Canada is shaking up how it tallies votes in a crucial byelection.

A total of 214 candidates are confirmed to run in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in Alberta, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Most of the names are part of a group protesting for electoral reform called the Longest Ballot Committee.

They had 91 candidates on the ballot in the Carleton riding during the federal election, where Poilievre lost his long-held seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy, and they have more than doubled that for this by-election.

But voters will have one blank space to write their preferred candidate’s name.

It could make a difference for Poilievre, who needs to win to get back into parliament.