By-Elections

A by-election in Alberta is a special election held to fill a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta between general elections. These vacancies can occur when:

• A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) resigns,
• An MLA passes away,
• An election is voided, or
• An MLA is disqualified for legal or procedural reasons.

By-elections are run by Elections Alberta and follow the same general process as a regular provincial election, including nomination, campaigning, and voting procedures.

In Alberta, by-elections are called by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Premier. Here’s how the process works:

1. Vacancy Occures
2. Premier's Role
• The Premier has the discretion to advise the Lieutenant Governor to issue a writ of election for the vacant seat.
3. Deadline
• Under Alberta’s Election Act, the writ must be issued within 6 months of the seat becoming vacant, unless:
• A general election is scheduled within the next 6 months, or
• The Assembly is dissolved.
4. Writ Issued
• Once the Premier advises it, the Lieutenant Governor signs the writ, officially triggering the by-election process. Elections Alberta then oversees the conduct of the vote.
5. Campaign and Timing
• The election follows standard timelines, with nomination day typically set 7–10 days after the writ, and election day occurring about 28 days after the writ is issued.