Nova Scotia’s Ballot Box Bandit gets jail time for election night theft

PICTOU, N.S. – A Nova Scotia man who dubbed himself the Ballot Box Bandit is headed to jail for stealing from a polling station during the last federal election.

Alexander James MacKenzie has been sentenced to 120 days in custody and three years’ probation for stealing a ballot box in New Glasgow on May 2, 2011.

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The 62-year-old Pictou Landing man was found guilty in December of theft under $5,000 and mischief causing damage under $5,000.

MacKenzie wore a vest emblazoned with his nickname during sentencing today in Pictou provincial court.

He has said he stole the box to raise awareness of social policy issues, but Judge Paul Scovil said MacKenzie acted out of self-aggrandizement, not protest.

MacKenzie has also been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment and counselling.

He is not permitted within 10 metres of any polling station except where he is registered to vote, and must inform police in advance of casting his vote.