Amanda Freistadt, Chief Returning Officer for the Alberta NDP Leadership Race announced Sunday that 85,144 members will be eligible to vote for a new Alberta NDP leader.

“This leadership race is an historic moment for the Alberta NDP. Voters from all walks of life and all regions of the province joined the Alberta NDP because they are excited to support our party in forming the next government,” said Freistadt.

Eligible voters are required to have been members in good standing by the membership sales deadline of April 22. The leadership race was initiated in January when Rachel Notley announced she would step down when a new leader is selected, after a decade as the party’s leader. Shortly after, the party’s provincial council set the rules and timelines for the race.

An independent voting company will conduct the election on behalf of the party. The winner will be determined by a ranked choice ballot.

Ballots and voting information will be mailed to members via Canada Post at the end of May. Voting members will have the option to vote online, by telephone, or by returning their ballot through Canada Post to the voting company. Voting opens June 3 and all ballots must be received by June 22 at 12 PM. The party will announce the new leader at the Hyatt Regency Suites in Calgary on the afternoon of June 22.

“The leadership race rules, set by provincial council, ensured a process with a high level of integrity and transparency,” said Freistadt. “The largest number of NDP members in Alberta’s history will be eligible to vote. We look forward to a high voter turnout given the energy and enthusiasm the race has attracted.”