As has been mentioned numerous times, there are a large number of candidates on the ballot for the upcoming by-election in our riding, Battle River – Crowfoot.
As of Tuesday morning, there are upwards of 210 registered candidates on the ballot. Elections Canada is providing a different ballot than has been used in past elections in our riding. They are providing an adapted ballot. In a media release by Elections Canada, they share the details of the ballot. “The adapted ballot will feature a blank space where electors can write the name of their preferred candidate. This will replace the typical list-style ballot, on which electors mark a blank circle next to the name of the candidate of their choice.”
To vote in the by-election, instead of marking an “X” beside the name of the candidate you are voting for, electors must write the name of their candidate of choice. As long as the elector’s intention is clear, their vote will be counted, even if they misspell the candidate’s name.
Along with the candidate’s name, electors can also write the name of the candidate’s political party. But if the elector writes only the party’s name, their ballot cannot be counted—it must have the name of the elector’s preferred candidate.
“Having delivered several elections in ridings with a higher-than-usual number of candidates over the past two years, we have learned many lessons, and have chosen this ballot based on what we now know about the accessibility and operational constraints that unusually large ballots present.”
Elections Canada advises that the list of candidates will be available at every voting table so that electors can find the name of their candidate of choice.
They also advise that due to the large number of candidates, the results of the by-election may take longer to report and publish on elections.ca.
For more information, please visit the Elections Canada website where they have provided a number of frequently asked questions. Voters may also contact the Elections Canada office in Camrose toll free at 1-866-354-7174
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