Advance voting begins in Fort Whyte byelection

Voters in the Fort Whyte area were able to cast their ballots in the byelection Saturday.

Voters are already turning out to cast their ballots in the Fort Whyte byelection that includes a candidate who could become Manitoba’s official leader of the opposition.

Advance polls opened at 8 a.m. Saturday and included five candidates – Liberal nominated Bob Axworthy, NDP nominated Brandy Schmidt, Conservative nominated Brian Pallister, Green Party nominated Donnie Benham and independent candidate Darrel Ackman.

Progressive Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen stepped down last month, leaving the constituency up for grabs.

Pallister was named leader of the provincial party and shortly after McFadyen stepped down announced his intention to run in the constituency.

Fort Whyte has been a largely Conservative riding in the past.

Advance voting runs until Sept. 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sunday the polls will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

Election Day is Sept. 4.