Election Statutes Amendment Act

Albertans deserve elections that are fair, secure, and reflect the true will of the people.
That’s why our government is introducing the Election Statutes Amendment Act with the following proposed changes:
• Banning the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines, requiring all ballots to be counted by hand to protect election integrity.
• Eliminating vouching at voting stations to strengthen identification and verification processes.
• Requiring unofficial vote counts to be completed within 12 hours of polls closing to provide timely, reliable results.
• Voters being required to cast their ballot in their constituency of residence or by requesting a special ballot.
• Expanding access to special ballots, allowing any voter to request one without needing to provide a reason while protecting integrity by requiring voters to personally request their special ballot (with exceptions for those needing assistance due to a disability).
• Updating the Recall Act to make it easier for Albertans to hold elected officials accountable by lowering the signature threshold and extending the timeframe to collect signatures.
• Improving the Citizen Initiative Act process by setting the threshold for all successful petitions at 10 per cent of eligible voters who participated in the last general election.
• Allow corporate and union contributions for provincial elections while maintaining transparency and accountability through existing financial disclosure requirements.
• Improve access to voting for First Nations and Métis Settlements during referendums and Senate elections.
• Enhance emergency response provisions for voting disruptions during referendums and Senate elections.