United Conservative Party members will elect a new leader and premier on October 6, under new rules released by the party Tuesday morning..Party members have until July 20 to enter the race — but it will cost them a pretty penny..To enter the contest, an applicant must submit a comprehensive questionnaire, together with a $150,000 entrance fee to cover the cost of organizing the election, and a $25,000 refundable compliance deposit..Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced he would resign last month, after a leadership review revealed he had the support of 51.4% of party members..UCP members will elect a new leader via mail-in ballot with an option to vote in-person at one of five polling locations across the province..“This is an exciting time for our party as we showcase an exceptional field of candidates from diverse backgrounds,” UCP president Cynthia Moore said in a release. .“We’ve built on the successful mail-in vote that our party recently held and responded to members who wanted an in-person option. We’re also ensuring that the race is revenue neutral so that the party doesn’t require funds from our 2023 campaign to finance the race.”.No person is an official candidate until they have met the requirements outlined in the rules, prepared by the Leadership Election Committee..Applicants must also provide a nomination petition with at least 1,000 signatures of party members, with 200 from each of the party’s five provincial regions..The entrance fee is payable in three equal installments as the leadership campaign progresses. The party will not profit on entrance fees, as required by election financing laws, according to UCP news release..“These rules demonstrate our commitment to running a fair, open and equitable leadership election,” said David Price, Leadership Election Committee chair. .“I want to thank my fellow volunteers on our committee for their hard work to get the rules in place expeditiously. We are proud of the robust rules we have developed, which provide for a secure and transparent process.”.Applicants also must submit a comprehensive questionnaire that will be reviewed by the LEC. .Supporters have until Aug. 12 to join or renew their membership. Ballot packages will be mailed beginning Sept. 2, and must be returned by Oct. 3. .The option to vote in-person will be held on Oct. 6 with the locations and times to be announced soon.. “We expect our candidates to strictly adhere to our Code of Conduct and focus on the future of our province and the issues that matter to Albertans,” Moore said. .“We’re confident that this leadership race will set our United Conservative Party up for success in the 2023 provincial election.”
