Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the fact the provincial election authority is helping voters correct errors in about 3,000 mail-in ballot packages shows the system is working.
It comes after Elections Alberta announced those referendum ballot packages were returned with either declaration forms missing or with other errors, like missing the required copies of identification.
At an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Smith said the ability for electors to correct the necessary documents in time for their vote to be counted shows Elections Alberta is managing the situation as expected.
“I think that’s a sign the system works,” she said.
Smith and Elections Alberta also noted the problematic ballot packages represent a small number of those that have been sent back by voters — only 1.2 per cent of around 250,000.
- Russ Wyatt voted out of Winnipeg city council, Lora Meseman to represent Transcona
- ‘Local Governance 101’ Okanagan community’s first-ever council trains ahead of inaugural meeting
- Lorne Doerkson says Conservatives committed to all campaign promises
- Feds open to supporting elements of Divorce Act amendments, but fate unclear
Maia Hanrahan at Elections Alberta said in an email Wednesday they’ve contacted those whose packages had problems and are helping voters make the necessary fixes.
Get daily National news
“Similar to an in-person voting experience where an election officer would assist the elector in making sure their information was correct and complete, that is what is happening with these special ballots – we are assisting electors in correcting their errors,” Hanrahan wrote.
She said voters are able to provide the required information via email, but if they do not, their special ballots will be rejected.
“Already we have had many people respond and provide the required information.”
Albertans are to vote on a series of questions on Oct. 19, including whether to stay in Canada or begin the process to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation. The other nine questions pertain to immigration and the Constitution.
Go f yourself D Smith go back to your mother country b
Mmmmm no not really. The tracker on the mail in ballot said my ballot was mailed on Sep 28, which was already delayed as my address was not recognized due to an extra dash (apparently). Had I not followed up, I would not have known that there was an issue. I called the Elections Canada office who said it was actually mailed on Oct 2. The tracker still reads Sept 28, and still have not received my ballot.
Also, my father had been deceased for just over 10 years. His passing was notified to all the applicable stakeholders, my mother alone has received other census’ to be filled out. It looks like the province is expecting my father to participate in the referendum from the great beyond. I know this is spooky season and all, but this is a bit much. /sarc
Total waste of taxes and she knows it.
Fix a hospital.