In an effort to allow the inclusion of all voters, Brazeau County council has approved the use of special ballots during the 2023 Division 1 Councillor By-Election.
Officials say the special ballots are for those who meet the criteria under the Local Authorities Election Act and that application for special ballots may be made by telephone, by e-mail, or in person to the Returning Officer in the prescribed form.
County officials say council gave all required readings to Bylaw 1135-23 to allow for the printing of ballots in lots for the 2023 Division 1 Councillor By-Election.
Officials say the Local Authorities Election Act sets out a provision allowing municipal councils to pass a bylaw for the printing of ballots in lots, if they choose. Historically, Brazeau County has had its ballots printed in lots for municipal offices in the election. Printing ballots in lots allows each candidate to have their name appear on the top of the ballot an equal number of times.
The use of special ballots allows for voters who will be away from the local jurisdiction on Election Day, as well as those with mobility issues to vote in the municipal election without attending a voting station. Brazeau County has offered special ballots for eligible voters in the 2015 Reeve By-Election and both the 2017 and 2021 municipal elections. Special ballots may only be requested and approved as per the criteria set out in the Local Authorities Election Act.
Once the Returning Officer receives and approves applications for special ballot, County officials say a package is prepared for the voter after the election has been declared. It is the voter’s responsibility to ensure the package containing their sealed vote and other necessary documentation is returned to Brazeau County prior to the close of voting on Election Day.
Nomination Day will be four weeks prior to Election Day on March 6, 2023 until 12 p.m., and Election Day is April 3, 2023. Advance voting dates are anticipated to be set in the near future. Those who are interested in putting their name forward as a candidate in the by-election for Division 1 will find more information on the Brazeau County website and in the January-February issue of the Brazeau County News.
Nomination papers are accepted at the Brazeau County office during regular business hours until 12 p.m. on Nomination Day.
Anyone with questions regarding the by-election can contact the Returning Officer at cwhalen@brazeau.ab.ca or 780-542-7777.
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