As the upcoming Oct. 19 referendum draws near, residents of Alberta are gearing up to respond to 10 inquiries presented by the provincial government. Half of the questions on the ballots are related to immigration matters.
We have previously dissected the initial immigration query, which seeks voters’ opinions on whether Alberta should assume more authority over immigration from the federal government.
We have also unraveled questions two, three, and four, which propose various policy approaches to limit temporary residents’ access to public and social services.
Now, let’s delve into question five, which inquires: “Do you back the government of Alberta in enacting a law that mandates individuals to furnish proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card, to participate in an Alberta provincial election?”
In a statement to CBC News, the province stated that if this question is endorsed, it will establish “clearer voting regulations” mandating individuals to display proof of citizenship to cast their votes in provincial elections.
Sam Blackett, the premier’s spokesperson, mentioned, “Alberta is incorporating a citizenship indicator on driver’s licenses and ID cards, which will serve as acceptable proof.”
“This measure will help ensure that only Canadian citizens residing in Alberta are reflected in election outcomes,” Blackett added.
While this question concludes the series of immigration-related questions in the referendum, the Alberta division of the Canadian Bar Association emphasizes that it “is not primarily an immigration status question.”
The association clarified that the question “pertains to how Alberta verifies citizenship for voting and whether proof requirements pose a burden on eligible citizens,” as outlined in a document scrutinizing the question from a legal standpoint.
Furthermore, it appears to suggest the presence of voter fraud or at least the potential for it, according to Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor specializing in election law at McMaster University.
Lawlor remarked, “It appears to signal to Alberta residents concerns regarding who is exercising the right to vote and whether they have the constitutional entitlement to do so.”
However, instances of voter fraud in Alberta and at the federal level are scarce.
Lawlor indicated that the question may be influenced by rhetoric from the United States, where allegations of voter fraud in the electoral system are more frequent.
This sentiment, she explained, could instigate a similar lack of trust in election management bodies in Canada without substantial evidence supporting such claims.
Let’s review the details.
Eligibility to Vote
Only Canadian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to vote in federal elections in Canada and Alberta’s provincial elections.
Alberta voters must be residents of the province.
It is illegal for non-citizens to participate in Canadian elections.
In both federal and Alberta’s provincial elections, voters can present one piece of government-issued photo ID containing their name, address, and photo, or two pieces of ID without photos, provided both display the voter’s name and at least one shows their current address.
Voters without ID can have another voter vouch for them. Both provincially and federally, the voucher must reside in the same voting area and confirm their identity and address. Federally, voters without ID must declare their identity and address in writing, whereas in Alberta, the voucher must sign a declaration affirming their acquaintance with the voter.
Statistics on Voter Fraud
According to the provincial Election Act, engaging in fraudulent voting entails voting or attempting to vote when aware or should be aware of their lack of qualification to vote, constituting a “corrupt practice.”
Elections Alberta, the province’s independent non-partisan office overseeing provincial elections, byelections, and referendums, stated that voter fraud is exceedingly rare.
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