Several Alberta residents who received their mail-in ballots for the upcoming fall referendum have expressed surprise and worry over a self-declaration requirement included in the voting package. They fear that this requirement could discourage people from participating in the voting process.
Emma Wilkins, a voter from Edmonton, shared her dismay upon discovering the self-declaration clause on the first page of her ballot package. She expressed feeling uncertain and disheartened by the requirement.
The special ballot package mandates that voters declare their inability to vote in person at a polling station before or on the election day before proceeding with the mail-in ballot. Failure to provide accurate information could result in a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Although Elections Alberta clarified that certain self-declarations, such as citizenship and age eligibility, are still necessary, the specific language regarding in-person voting limitations does not pertain to the Oct. 19 referendum.
Despite this clarification, some recipients of the mail-in packages remain concerned. Emma Wilkins expressed her frustration by stating, “We’re supposed to go through a free and fair election process, and this is feeling really unfair right now.”
Wilkins, who applied for a mail-in ballot in July to avoid potential long lines at polling stations, raised concerns about the unexpected self-declaration clause.
In a news release issued in July, Elections Alberta assured voters that no justification would be needed to request a mail-in ballot.
Elections Alberta will commence the distribution of special ballots for the fall referendum on October 19. These ballots enable individuals to vote on all 10 questions by mail, bypassing the need to visit polling stations. Jennifer Maskoske, director of elections operations at Elections Alberta, provides insights.
In response to the concerns raised, Elections Alberta acknowledged the issue in a news release on Thursday, attributing the language to a prior version of the Election Act. The organization stated that individuals could still submit their mail-in ballots by crossing out the specific declaration line and completing the remaining sections.
Expressing her apprehensions, Wilkins questioned the impact of this unnecessary declaration request on voters. She emphasized the importance of avoiding such errors, especially in a significant election, as it could lead to added costs borne by taxpayers.
Lynn Zwicky, another Edmonton voter, echoed similar concerns and worried that the mention of penalties might discourage individuals from completing their mail-in ballots.
She emphasized the complexity of the referendum, requiring voters to respond to 10 questions on separate ballots. Zwicky stressed the need for Albertans to familiarize themselves with the queries before casting their votes.
As of the latest update, Elections Alberta reported receiving 225,000 requests for mail-in ballots, a substantial increase compared to the 59,589 special ballots requested during the 2023 provincial election.
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