Some Albertans who have received their mail-in ballots for Alberta’s upcoming fall referendum are expressing surprise and worry over a self-declaration requirement featured prominently on the front page of the voting package. They are concerned that this requirement could discourage people from participating in the voting process.
Upon opening her special ballot, Emma Wilkins, an Edmonton voter, was taken aback by the self-declaration request she encountered on the initial page. She expressed feeling unsure about the next steps and disheartened by the experience.
The special ballot package stipulates that voters must declare their inability to vote at an in-person polling station before or on election day before filling out the mail-in ballot. It warns of potential penalties, including a fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, for making a false declaration.
Elections Alberta clarified that while voters still need to self-declare aspects like their Canadian citizenship and age of 18 or older, the language concerning the inability to vote in person does not apply to the Oct. 19 referendum.
Despite this clarification, some recipients of the voting packages voiced concerns about the language used, expressing anxiety over its implications. Emma Wilkins emphasized the importance of a free and fair election process and the need for clarity in such crucial matters.
In response to the raised concerns, Elections Alberta issued a news release addressing the self-declaration issue. They explained that the language was a carryover from a previous version of the Election Act and stated that mail-in ballots would be accepted even if voters crossed out the inapplicable declaration line.
Wilkins and another Edmonton voter, Lynn Zwicky, both worried that the warning about potential penalties could deter voters from completing their mail-in ballots. They highlighted the need for voters to fully understand the referendum questions and participate in the electoral process.
As of the latest update, Elections Alberta reported a significant increase in requests for mail-in ballots, with 225,000 applications received, compared to only 59,589 special ballots requested during the 2023 provincial election.
Wilkins raised concerns about the complexity and stress associated with the self-declaration process on special ballots, emphasizing the need for a streamlined and voter-friendly voting experience. Elections Alberta has advanced the deadline for special ballot applications to Sept. 25 and assured voters of a timely process for applying and returning ballots.
The fall referendum, scheduled for Oct. 19, will address critical issues related to immigration, the Constitution, and Alberta’s future within Canada, including the possibility of a binding vote on separation.