Political experts and Calgary’s election official are pointing to recent changes in provincial legislation as the reason behind the extensive lineups and delays experienced during municipal elections throughout Alberta on Monday. One of the changes introduced requires municipalities to establish and maintain permanent electors registers containing the names of eligible voters.
In Calgary, voters were given until August 27 to pre-register for the list, with the city also receiving voter information from Elections Alberta. Individuals not on the list were required to complete a form at the polling stations providing personal details such as full name, address, birthdate, and a signed statement. This additional paperwork contributed to long wait times, with some polling stations seeing queues lasting over three hours.
During a news conference, Calgary’s returning officer, Kate Martin, acknowledged that the new provincial regulation led to increased paperwork for voters at the polls. Election workers either verified voters against the permanent electoral register or issued them Form 13 if necessary. Even registered voters had to have their information filled out, while those requesting a school trustee ballot had to complete and sign the form regardless of their registration status or address changes.
The completed forms will be used to compile Calgary’s permanent electors list, which will also be shared with the province. Before the legislation changes, municipalities could create their own voter lists based on individuals appearing at the polls. The aim of the new regulations is to create a standardized approach across Alberta to enhance voter eligibility confirmation and reduce fraud.
Despite concerns about the lengthy lines at polling stations, Alberta’s municipal affairs minister, Dan Williams, defended the changes, stating that it is not the province’s role to ensure smooth municipal elections. However, he expressed openness to amending legislation based on feedback from municipalities. Martin hopes for communication from the province and plans to submit a list of insights gathered during the election for review if outreach is not initiated.
