Political experts and Calgary’s returning officer point fingers at recent provincial law changes for the lengthy queues and slow processing times during municipal elections throughout Alberta on Monday. One significant alteration requires municipalities to establish and manage permanent electors registers, containing details of eligible voters.
In Calgary, individuals had until August 27 to pre-register for the list, with additional voter information provided by Elections Alberta. Those not listed had to complete a form at polling stations, supplying personal specifics like full name, address, birthdate, and a signed statement. This procedure contributed to delays, with some polling stations witnessing lines extending beyond three hours.
During a news briefing on Tuesday, Calgary returning officer Kate Martin acknowledged the impact of the new provincial mandate on the increased paperwork at polling stations. She explained the process where workers checked voters against the permanent electoral register or issued a Form 13 if required. Even registered voters had to go through the paperwork, with those requesting a school trustee ballot also needing to complete and sign the form.
Changes in names or addresses also demanded updates, further prolonging processing times. Martin emphasized that these steps collectively added to the delays experienced. The collected forms will assist in compiling Calgary’s permanent electors list, which will eventually be forwarded to the province.
Before these regulations, municipalities could independently manage voter lists based on in-person turnout. Brendan Boyd, a political science professor at MacEwan University in Edmonton, opined that the province aims to standardize voter eligibility verification, enhancing trust and minimizing fraud risks.
Despite complaints about lengthy queues impacting voter turnout, Alberta’s municipal affairs minister defended the changes, emphasizing that municipal election smoothness isn’t solely the province’s responsibility. He expressed willingness to refine legislation based on municipal feedback.
Martin expressed hope for provincial engagement and pledged to share insights gained from the recent election for review. Voters retain the option to remove their names from the list, with re-enrollment necessary on subsequent voting occasions.