Registered third-party advertisers (TPAs) involved in the separation debate are expressing discontent over Elections Alberta’s decision not to permit them to assign scrutineers to oversee the voting process. Elections Alberta communicated this decision to TPAs through a letter sent on Friday, citing potential logistical challenges that could arise from accommodating additional individuals in already constrained spaces.
While political parties with official party status will be allowed to appoint scrutineers, TPAs have been excluded from this opportunity. The United Conservative Party and NDP have confirmed their intention to have scrutineers present during the voting process.
The decision from Elections Alberta came after campaigners had already submitted applications to appoint scrutineers. Despite the website initially indicating that TPAs could appoint scrutineers for the referendum, Elections Alberta clarified that it is not necessary at this point, emphasizing the presence of an adequate number of scrutineers from political parties.
In response to this decision, a group of pro-separation TPAs is urging Elections Alberta to reconsider and permit the appointment of scrutineers, proposing the representation of Forever Canadian for the federalist side and Let Alberta Decide for the separatists as a compromise.
The absence of scrutineers from TPAs has raised concerns among stakeholders, with some expressing apprehension about the fairness of the election process. Cory Morgan, from the TPA Pathway to Independence, highlighted the importance of open scrutineers in maintaining public confidence in the system.
Bradley Lafortune, executive director of Public Interest Alberta, expressed disappointment over the decision, noting that more scrutineers could enhance trust in the process and its outcomes. However, his group will now focus on mobilizing voter participation efforts instead.
Former Alberta chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson acknowledged the potential for legal challenges to the decision but pointed out the practical challenges in resolving the issue expeditiously, especially with advance voting already underway and a high expected voter turnout alongside multiple ballot questions.
Advance voting for the referendum will continue until Saturday, with the referendum day scheduled for October 19.
