The first ballot in the Alberta PC leadership race will wrap up Saturday evening.
Although voting began Friday morning, many party members voiced frustration at the process, which meant the three candidates, Jim Prentice, Thomas Lukaszuk and Ric McIver, spent the last day encouraging their voters.
The 1-800-360-1465 is currently overloaded with phone calls. Please try again in two hours.
— PC Alberta (@PC_Alberta) September 5, 2014
Good morning! Pls vote now. Today is your final chance. Polls are open until 6pm. I appreciate your support. #pcldr pic.twitter.com/8chHwxpJ8g
— Jim Prentice (@JimPrentice) September 6, 2014
Dear supporters, we have opportunity to shape exciting future for Alberta. Please be patient & vote. I know it's frustrating for some #pcldr
— Thomas Lukaszuk (@LukaszukMLA) September 6, 2014
It is the first time the Party has allowed online voting, which caused some headaches.
However, according to the PC Party about 23,000 members cast their vote by late Saturday afternoon.
Current Premier Dave Hancock called his term the best summer job he’s ever had.
“It has been a great job. It has been a real privilege to have been asked by colleagues.
“But it was always a 6-month term.”
Hancock said if a new leader is chosen tonight, he expects his replacement to take over within two weeks.
Voting will close at 6 p.m. and results are expected to be announced around 7:30 p.m.
If none of the candidates receive more than 50 per cent of the vote a second ballot will be held on September 20.
Join CTV Edmonton starting at 7 p.m. for special coverage of the PC leadership vote.
With files from Bill Fortier, Julia Parrish, The Canadian Press
