 He represented the electoral district of Stanhope-East Royalty and was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party.On August 4, 2010, Ballem announced his candidacy for the Leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of PEI but came in second to Olive Crane.Born in Marshfield, Prince Edward Island, the son of Cedric and Mrytle Ballem, Ballem was educated at the University of Prince Edward Island.