It’s by-election day (Tues) for the constituency of Athabasca in northern Saskatchewan, with four people vying to become the area’s next MLA. Clint Arnason is running for the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan, Georgina Jolibois for the NDP, Jim Lemaigre for the Sask. Party and Darwin Roy is running as an Independent.

The seat has been vacant since last August when former NDP MLA Buckley Belanger resigned to run for the federal Liberals, but the seat was won by Gary Vidal of the Conservative Party.  Belanger had been the MLA for 26 years.

In January, when the by-election was called, Premier Scott Moe said it is important for Athabasca residents to be represented in the upcoming spring sitting of the Legislature.

The polls are open today from 9am to 8pm. Elections Saskatchewan says you will need identification and a mask to vote. Because of COVID-19, hand sanitizer will be available, and there will be physical distancing in the line. Surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day, and pencils will be single use.