People in Fort McMurray aren’t going to live up to the dismal turnout numbers of the past. That’s according to University of Alberta Political Science Professor Jim Lightbody. He says frustrated voters, mixed with some tight competition in the Fort McMurray-Conklin riding, may translate to turnout higher than the provincial average.
“If us as observers we begin to see turnout trending much higher, that probably doesn’t bode well for the existing government. People turn out at a higher rate when they’re defeating a government,” said Lightbody.
“I believe [the PCs are] really in a lot of trouble, the Premier and Finance Minister presented a budget which pretty much punished every sector of the population except for large corporations,” he added.
For John Beltrano, he’s planning to vote on May 5 but isn’t sure if it’s going to change anything.
“I’d like to see a little bit of a change in leadership, however it doesn’t look like the PC’s are necessarily going to move out,” said Beltrano.
It’s obvious to Lightbody why Fort McMurray has had such a poor track record for voting. He says it’s natural because of the number of newcomers who haven’t put down roots yet, and don’t think they know enough about the community to vote. Then there’s the transients or others like Vilia Tesir who have been living and working in the region and are not eligible. Tesir says if she could make her pick, she’d go with a government addressing obvious healthcare shortfalls that are impacting a large segment of the population.
“The women in Fort McMurray waiting eight hours for their appointments to see a doctor, that’s absolutely appalling. We need a birth centre here in Fort McMurray, we need a woman’s centre,” she said.
Kyle Murdoch says he’s looking for a government to help pull Alberta out of the slump of uncertain oil prices because it’s putting construction season at risk.
“The economy slowed down quite significantly, so I don’t think that’s helping anything. Of course in relation to the government that’s a lot of money for them right? For improving roads, and building, and infrastructure,” says Murdoch.
Lightbody is making a bold prediction for the outcome of the election. He says the PCs didn’t do themselves a favour with the budget and this could be the year the party loses power.
“I believe it’s really in a lot of trouble, the Premier and Finance Minister presented a budget which pretty much punished every sector of the population except for large corporations,” he says.
Advanced polls are open until 8 p.m. tomorrow. Voters can go online at Elections Alberta to find their polling station. Election Day is Tuesday, May 5.
