Two prospective candidates have submitted completed nomination papers for the Nov. 17 Crowsnest Pass municipal by-election.
Returning officer Barb Kelly confirmed Samuel Stewart and Mike C. McGee have both filed their nomination documents. The election will fill the council seat left vacant when former councillor Colleen MacDonald resigned effective Aug. 6.
The municipality’s public candidate register lists Stewart’s notice of intent as received Aug. 31 and McGee’s as received Oct. 5.
A notice of intent is separate from the formal nomination process. Kelly said the requirement was introduced in 2025 and must be completed before a prospective candidate accepts campaign contributions.
Alberta’s Local Authorities Election Act requires municipalities to maintain a public register of people who have submitted notices of intent. Appearing on that register does not, by itself, guarantee a person will appear on the ballot.
Stewart and McGee have completed the additional step of submitting their nomination papers, according to Kelly.
The nomination period closes at noon Oct. 20. Candidates may withdraw until noon the following day, provided more candidates remain than positions available. The final ballot should therefore be settled after noon Oct. 21.
The municipality held a candidate information session Oct. 7 to explain the election process and the responsibilities of serving on council. Kelly said two people attended.
Discussion focused primarily on the role of council.
Kelly said it is too early to determine whether the by-election has attracted more or less interest than expected, particularly while public attention is also focused on Alberta’s Oct. 19 provincial referendum.
The successful candidate will join council for the remainder of the current term.
The advance poll will be held Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Crowsnest Community Hall in Blairmore.
Election-day voting will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 17. Residents must vote at the polling location assigned to their address.
Coleman voters will cast ballots at the Coleman Senior Drop-In Centre. Blairmore and Frank residents will vote at the Crowsnest Community Hall, while Bellevue and Hillcrest residents will vote at the MDM Community Centre.
Applications for special ballots are already being accepted, although ballot packages will not be issued until the nomination process is complete.
Kelly said ballots will be ordered after noon Oct. 21, once the candidate list has been finalized.
Special ballots are available to eligible voters who will be away or are physically unable to leave their residence to attend either the advance poll or election-day voting. Applicants must state the reason they require a special ballot.
Packages are expected to become available during the week of Nov. 2. Completed special ballots must be received by the municipality no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 17.
Applications can be made through the municipal office in Coleman by telephone, email or in person.
The municipality has asked residents to register or confirm their voter information before Oct. 15 to ensure the local voters list is updated. Anyone not on the list may still register at a voting station by completing the required declaration and presenting accepted identification showing their name and address.
The last Crowsnest Pass municipal by-election, held in 2020, attracted 553 voters. A total of 2,028 people voted in the 2025 general municipal election.