Alberta general election, 1917

The Alberta general election of 1917 was the fourth general election for the Province of Alberta, Canada, held on June 7 1917 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Because of World War I, politics was largely on the back burner in the minds of Albertans this election. Eleven Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were acclaimed under Section 38 of the "Election Act", which stipulated that any member of the 3rd Alberta Legislative Assembly, would be guaranteed re-election, with no contest held, if members joined for war time service. In addition, soldiers from Alberta fighting overseas elected two members-at-large.

The large number of acclaimed candidates, and events overseas, made the 1917 election a low-key event compared to the previous three elections.

The Liberal Party, under its new leader, Charles Stewart, won a fourth term in office, defeating the Conservative Party of Edward Michener. This would be the last time, as of 2008, that the Liberals won an Alberta provincial election.

This was also the first election in Alberta that women had the right to vote and run. Two women were elected to the opposition benches in the legislature that year.

The 1917 election was also the tightest majority ever formed in Alberta history, with the combined opposition equaling to 70.59% of the MLA's on the government benches.

The vote in Athabasca district was conducted on June 27 1917 due to the remoteness of the riding.

Results

June 27 1917

1917 soldiers' and nurses vote

All eligible candidates were members of the Canadian Forces from Alberta, and non-partisan. Members elected sat on the opposition benches. The vote was held on September 18, 1917. Each soldier had two votes.

ee also

*List of Alberta political parties sequence
prev=1913 Alberta election
list=Alberta elections
next=1921 Alberta election