Two new polls show Conservative candidates in the Oct. 19 federal election are leading in the ridings of Yellowhead and Fort McMurray-Cold Lake.

The Mainstreet/Postmedia polls conducted Sept. 10 show David Yurdiga leading in Fort McMurray-Cold Lake with the support of 35 per cent of decided voters, while Liberal Kyle Harrietha checked in at 27 per cent. In Yellowhead, Conservative incumbent Jim Eglinski has the support of 63 per cent of decided voters, while Liberal Ryan Maguhn and NDP candidate Ken Kuzminski each polled just 15 per cent.

The interactive voice response polls have a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 per cent and 4.09 per cent, 19 times out of 20, respectively. The Fort McMurray-Cold Lake poll had 494 respondents; the Yellowhead poll 569 respondents.

“With the support of 63 per cent of decided voters, Eglinski looks like a lock,” said David Valentin, executive vice-president of Mainstreet Research. “The Conservatives lead among every demographic group, though especially with those 35-49.”

Voters in Yellowhead have a pessimistic view of the state of the economy. Only 27 per cent are optimistic about their own personal finances and 22 per cent are optimistic about the Alberta economy.

“This should come as no surprise. Our polling in August found Albertans are similarly pessimistic about the economy and their finances,” said Valentin, who added that federal Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has the confidence of a majority of voters in the riding.

“Mr. Harper fares very well in Yellowhead; 61 per cent believe he would do best at helping the oil and gas sector. Mr. (Justin) Trudeau follows at 13 per cent with Mr. (Thomas) Mulcair at 12 per cent,” Valentin said.

The race in Fort McMurray-Cold Lake is much tighter, due in part to the fact 22 per cent of voters are still undecided.

“Harrietha is trailing in the byelection rematch, but there is still plenty of time left to go,” said Valentin. “Yurdiga has a strong lead with those over 65 and Harrietha leads by five per cent among those 35-49, so there are some generational differences at play here. Meanwhile, the NDP is at 12 per cent and the Greens are at four per cent, but many voters, 22 per cent in fact, are undecided and up for grabs.”