Early votes now being cast in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche byelection

Voters in northeastern Alberta started casting ballots Tuesday to select a new MLA, with eight names to choose from.

Voters in northeastern Alberta started casting ballots Tuesday to select a new MLA, with eight names to choose from.

Advanced polls opened at 9 a.m. in both Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche, with six smaller communities to get early polling stations throughout the week.

The byelection was made necessary when UCP MLA Laila Goodridge resigned last August to run in the federal election.

Four of the candidates – representing the top polling parties in Alberta – took part in a forum hosted by McMurray Metis on Feb. 26.

"I love my town, I love my community…so please vote for me on March 15," a tearful Brian Jean said.

A former leader of the Wildrose Party, Jean has served as both an MLA and an MP for the area. His goal, if elected, is to replace Premier Jason Kenney.

"I'm running to fight to make the lives of the people in this region better," said NDP candidate Ariana Mancini.