“Voting gives Albertans a voice in shaping the future of our province,” it said in an April 29 statement. “Direct democracy processes like referendums, recall and citizen initiative petitions provide further opportunities for Albertans to be heard and express their views.”
Various changes are being proposed, including banning the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines, and ensuring all ballots are counted by hand, as this would protect election integrity, the province said.
Vouching at voting stations will be eliminated “to strengthen identification and verification processes.” As well, to provide “timely and reliable results,” unofficial vote counts will be required to be completed within 12 hours of polls closing.
Voters will be required to cast their ballot in their constituency of residence or they will have to request a special ballot. The legislation will also expand access to special ballots as any voter will be allowed to request one without needing to provide a reason.
The province said this will protect election integrity as voters will be required to personally request their special ballot, with the exception of those who need assistance due to disability.
The legislation will also provide for the update of the Recall Act so that it is easier for residents of the province “to hold elected officials accountable by lowering the signature threshold and extending the timeframe to collect signatures.”
In addition, the Citizen Initiative Act process will be improved by “setting the threshold for all successful petitions at 10 per cent of eligible voters who participated in the last general election.”
The proposed act would further allow corporations and unions to contribute to provincial election campaigns. As there are existing financial disclosure requirements, transparency and accountability would be maintained, the government said.
Access to voting will also be improved for First Nations and Métis communities during referendums and Senate elections. The changes provide enhanced emergency response provisions for voting disruptions during referendums and Senate elections.
“I believe that democracy thrives when people trust the process,” Premier Danielle Smith said in the statement. “These changes would make elections at every level in Alberta more accessible and transparent while protecting their integrity, ensuring confidence in the outcomes.”
“We are also creating more opportunities for Albertans to be involved in direct democracy and to have their say on issues that matter to them.”
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