Political experts and the Calgary returning officer attribute the long wait times and slow processing during municipal elections in Alberta to recent changes in provincial legislation. One significant change requires municipalities to establish and maintain permanent electors registers containing lists of eligible voters. In Calgary, voters had until August 27 to register for the list, with additional voter information provided by Elections Alberta.
Individuals not on the list had to complete a form at the polling stations, providing personal details like full name, address, birthdate, and a signed statement. This process contributed to extended wait times at some polling stations, with lines stretching up to three hours.
During a news conference, Calgary’s returning officer, Kate Martin, acknowledged that the new provincial regulations led to increased paperwork for voters. Workers had to verify against the permanent electoral register or issue an electoral register form (Form 13) if necessary. Even registered voters had to go through the paperwork process, though they didn’t need to sign the statement if already registered. However, those requesting a school trustee ballot had to complete and sign the form, regardless of their registration status.
The compiled forms will assist in creating Calgary’s permanent electors list, which will be shared with the province. Previously, municipalities could create voter lists based on individuals showing up at polling stations, but the new regulations aim to standardize the process across Alberta for increased formality and fraud prevention.
While the changes were intended to enhance voter trust and confidence, questions linger about their necessity. The electors registers will not be disclosed to candidates, and voters have the option to remove their names from the list, which can be reinstated by contacting Elections Calgary for future elections.
Despite complaints about long queues on election day, Alberta’s minister of municipal affairs supports the legislative changes and emphasizes that it is not the province’s responsibility to ensure seamless municipal elections. Minister Dan Williams is open to legislative amendments based on feedback from municipalities, with Calgary’s returning officer hoping for provincial engagement to address election concerns. Lessons learned from the recent election will be compiled and submitted for provincial review.