Local elections may change as province revises Election Act

Lakeland area residents can influence how local elections are done.

The Alberta Government is revising how municipal and school board elections are conducted and feedback began yesterday on how to improve the process.

The last review of the Local Authorities Election Act was in 2017, but the provincial government said in a press release that they continue to receive feedback suggesting gaps exist.

“Albertans expect local elections to be fair, transparent and inclusive. This consultation will determine if and how we, as a government, can better meet these goals,” said Kaycee Madu, Minister of Municipal Affairs, in a press release.

“While this will not be a wholesale review like the one in 2018, we are looking to Albertans for feedback on areas that can be improved before the next round of municipal and school board elections.”

The survey looks at the length of campaign period, the nomination process, campaign finances, third-party advertising and recall of municipally elected officials.

The Alberta Government will also hold focused discussions with representatives from municipalities and community advocacy groups.