A federal byelection in Alberta has drawn 138 candidates, the most in Canadian history.
The Battle River-Crowfoot byelection on Aug. 12 features 132 candidates sponsored by the Longest Ballot Committee as of Monday. The electoral reform advocacy group surpassed its previous record of 91 candidates set twice in 2024.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is seeking the seat after losing his Ottawa riding of Carleton in April's general election. MP Damien Kurek resigned last month to allow Poilievre to run.
The Longest Ballot Committee wants a citizens' assembly to oversee electoral reform. The group argues political parties resist making government more representative of diverse voters.
Candidates can register until July 28. The committee aims to reach 200 candidates.
Several candidates have received negative and potentially threatening social media messages, RCMP said Monday. Sgt. Jeremy Houle said the messages did not meet criminal thresholds but were concerning.
Independent candidate Sarah Spanier stopped door-knocking due to death threats over her views on transgender rights.
Critics say long ballots undermine democracy by creating overwhelming lists of paper candidates. Vote counting delays and voter confusion resulted from previous long-ballot protests.
Elections Canada enforces election rules but cannot change them. Parliament must approve any legislative changes to prevent long-ballot protests.
The committee has organized candidates in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba byelections since 2022.
