Division 1 By-Election April 3, 2023

Before heading to the voting station on By-Election Day (April 3), or the advance vote on March 30, there are a few tips to make your voting experience as easy as possible.

DO:

• Check to make sure you live in Division 1. Only residents within Division 1 are permitted to vote in the by-election. Division boundaries can be found on the Brazeau County website at https://www.brazeau.ab.ca/getting-around/maps   
• Bring your driver’s license or other form of identification you need to vote. A list of acceptable identification can be found in this newsletter.
• Follow the directions of election staff at the voting station.
• Leave the voting station as soon as you have finished voting. Please do any visiting outside of the voting station.

 

DON’T:

• Bring cell phones into the voting station. Cell phone use in voting stations is not permitted. If you have your cell phone with you please leave it on silent in a pocket or purse.
• Bring campaign material with you to the voting station. Bringing campaign material to a voting station on Election Day is prohibited under the Local Authorities Election Act. Campaign material includes items such as candidate pamphlets/flyers, buttons, clothing, or any item that endorses a candidate.

 

Additional information about By-Election Day can be found on the Brazeau County website at brazeau.ab.ca/election or by contacting the Returning Officer at 780-542-7777 or cwhalen@brazeau.ab.ca.

The 2023 Division 1 Councillor By-Election Monday, April 3, 2023 with voting from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Brazeau County.

Who Can Vote

Any Canadian citizen 18 or over who lives in the division can cast a ballot in the by-election. Voters are required to sign the voting register and show a valid form of identification (listed below) before being issued a ballot at the voting station.

Signing a false statement is an offence under the Local Authorities Election Act and can result in a fine.

Where to Vote

Residents of Division 1 my vote at the Easyford Hall on April 3, continuously from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only electors who live in Division 1 are permitted to cast a ballot in the by-election.

Voting in Advance

Advance voting for the 2023 Division 1 Councillor By-Election will take place at Brazeau County Administration Office from 12-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Those unable to attend either date may apply to the Returning Officer for a special ballot package. More information on that can also be found in this newsletter.

Voter Identification Requirements

In order to vote on April 3, electors must provide proof of their name and home address, as well as fill out the voter register. Many pieces of identification are accepted at voting stations. The most common form of identification presented is a valid Alberta Drivers’ license. Please note that passports are not acceptable forms of identification.

A list of the accepted forms of identification is shown below and will also be posted at voting stations on By-Election Day.

Acceptable forms of identification for voters include:

• Identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the elector and their name and current address.
• Bank or credit card statement or personal cheque.
• Correspondence issued by a school, college or university.
• Government cheque or cheque stub.
• Income or property tax assessment notice.
• Insurance policy or coverage card.
• Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee.
• Pension plan statement of benefits, contributions or participation.
• Residential lease or mortgage statement.
• Statement of government benefits (for example, employment insurance, old-age security, social assistance, disability support or child tax benefit).
• Utility bill (for example, telephone, public utilities commission, television, hydro, gas or water).
• Vehicle ownership, registration or insurance certificate.
• Proof of Identity and Ordinary Residence for Tenant Elector issued by the authorized representative of a commercial property management company.
• Proof of Identity and Ordinary Residence issued by the authorized representative of a First Nations band or reserve.
• Proof of Identity and Ordinary Residence for Post-Secondary Student Elector in Residence issued by the authorized representative of a post-secondary institution.
• Proof of Identity and Ordinary Residence for Homeless Elector issued by the authorized representative of a facility that provides services to the homeless.
• Proof of Identity and Ordinary Residence for Elector in Long Term Care or Supportive Living Facility issued by the authorized representative of a supportive living facility or treatment centre.
• Supportive Living Facility issued by the authorized representative of a supportive living facility or treatment centre.

If a voter’s identification shows a post office box number as the address instead of a residential or legal address, it can be accepted as verification of current address if it is in reasonable distance to the voting jurisdiction.

BRAZEAU COUNTY 2023 DIVISION 1 COUNCILLOR
BY-ELECTION

SPECIAL BALLOT

BRAZEAU COUNTY WILL BE OFFERING A SPECIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2023 DIVISION 1 COUNCILLOR BY-ELECTION

SPECIAL BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND ADVANCE VOTING OR VOTING ON ELECTION DAY.

ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS CAN REQUEST A SPECIAL BALLOT FROM THE RETURNING OFFICER:

1. IN WRITING TO:  THE RETURNING OFFICER, BRAZEAU COUNTY PO BOX 77, DRAYTON VALLEY, AB  T7A IRI
2. BY TELEPHONE AT (780) 542-7777
3. IN PERSON AT THE BRAZEAU COUNTY OFFICE
4. BY EMAIL:  cwhalen@brazeau.ab.ca

 

WHAT is a SPECIAL BALLOT?

 

It is a means for electors to cast a ballot if they will not be able to vote during the Advance Vote at the Brazeau County Administration Office, March 30 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. or on Election Day (April 3, 2023) at the Easyford Hall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

It is a package, including a ballot, requested by the elector, completed by the elector, and returned to the Returning Officer prior to the close of the vote on Election Day.

 

A series of envelopes is used to protect the confidentiality of the ballot.  The envelopes are accompanied by a declaration that confirms the elector is eligible to vote and has not already voted.  The elector must also attach a copy of the appropriate identification that meets the requirements of the elected authority.

 

Returning the Special Ballot package is the sole responsibility of the elector and must reach the Returning Officer not later than the close of voting on Election Day.

 

Special Ballots will be mailed out after Nomination Day on March 6, 2023, but can be requested at any from now until Election Day.

 

LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTION ACT

Vote by Special Ballot

 77.1 (1)   An elector who is unable to vote at an advance vote or at the voting station on election day because of

 

1. physical incapacity,

 

2. absence from the local jurisdiction, or

 

3. being a returning officer, deputy returning officer, constable, candidate, official agent or scrutineer who may be located on election day at a voting station other than that for the elector’s place of residence

 

may apply to vote by special ballot.