Voter turnout the strongest in decades in Alberta

The numbers are far from finalized at this point, but voters showed up in droves at the polls on Election Day in Alberta, posting the strongest showing in decades in the province.

Early estimates show that 59 percent of eligible voters cast their ballot, which is a huge improvement from the 50.9 percent average across the last six elections.

While it didn’t break the 60 percent mark, that saw Ralph Klein elected premier in 1993, it sure did come close.

Advance polling numbers factored in quite a bit this time around as well, with voter turnout at advance polls coming in at 30 percent higher than in 2012.

Approximately 235,000 people cast their ballots in advanced voting, breaking a record that had just been set.

179,820 voters cast their ballots in advance polls in 2012.

As for the seat breakdown in Alberta following last night’s historic win:

• NDP – 53
• Wildrose Party – 21 (Official opposition)
• PC – 10
• Liberal – 1
• Alberta Party – 1