ATHABASCA, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Strong winds caused a power outage that temporarily disrupted advance voting at two locations in Alberta’s Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock electoral division.
The outage began at approximately 2 p.m., affecting the Athabasca Seniors Centre in Athabasca and the returning office at 4714 50 Street in Clyde. Power was expected to be restored by 4:30 p.m., according to election officials.
Both voting locations were temporarily closed while electricity remained unavailable. Officials confirmed that all voting materials, including ballot boxes and ballots, had been secured during the interruption.
Notices were posted at the entrances of the affected sites to inform voters about the closures and ask them to return once power was restored.
To minimise the disruption, officials said both locations would reopen after electricity returned and extend their operating hours beyond 8 p.m. by the same amount of time they had remained closed. The adjustment was intended to give affected electors an opportunity to cast their ballots despite the interruption.
Election authorities said further updates would be provided as more information became available.
The incident highlights how adverse weather conditions can affect election-day preparations and access to advance polling, even as officials work to protect ballots and accommodate voters.
