The Alberta Party has tapped Abigail Douglass, a recent graduate from The King's University, to contest the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake byelection, which must be called by Aug. 5 after the resignation of former MLA Don MacIntyre.

According to the party, Douglass grew up on a family farm near Penhold, attending Gateway Christian School in Red Deer.

While at university where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, Douglass served on multiple boards, including two terms as student association president. During this time, she developed an interest in politic.

"I remember debating my principal about having our first school dance and I never really realized that was advocating on behalf of people but it became something that I got so passionate about," Douglass said.

"As I moved into university, I got super-involved in politics and I just loved every minute of it."

At an announcement at Sylvan Lake on Thursday, Douglass said the riding currently faces three key issues: rural crime, economic diversification but also citizen engagement.

"Sometimes you talk out your frustrations and I think that's sometimes what some people need," she said. "And so that's really my goal, that people see me as someone approachable that they can talk to about whatever issues."

 In 2015, the Wildrose and PC parties received a combined 39 per cent of the vote in the riding. The Alberta Party finished fourth with 6.2 per cent of the vote.

Douglass recognizes that Innisfail-Sylvan Lake has been a conservative stronghold, but is up for the challenge.

"Of course I'm here to win it and I'm excited to win it but I'm also totally cognizant it's going to be a lot of work," she said.

The United Conservative Party candidate is Devin Dreeshen while the NDP is expected to name its candidate imminently.