Polling shows 'most competitive election' as Alberta campaigns wrap second week

As the front-running UCP and NDP complete their second week of campaigning, new numbers suggest Alberta could be in for an extremely close sprint to the finish line.

As the front-running UCP and NDP complete their second week of campaigning, new numbers suggest Alberta could be in for an extremely close sprint to the finish line.

The two parties have had various swings throughout the last four years, but one pollster suggests things are closer now than they've ever been.

The online survey, conducted and paid for by Abacus Data Inc., heard from 885 Alberta voters from May 9 to 12.

By and large, it shows the NDP is gaining momentum both province-wide and in battleground Calgary.

But it's tight.

"This is probably the most competitive election we've seen," ThinkHQ president Marc Henry said. "In this (poll), it looks like the NDP have a lead, but take into account the margin of error and statistically they're tied."

That margin of error is 3.4 per cent 19 times out of 20.