Election

On October 18, 2024, Municipal Affairs proclaimed the Municipal Statutes Amendment Act, which made several amendments to the Local Authorities Elections Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The amendments related to municipal elections came into effect on October 31, 2024.

Key Legislative Changes (Effective Oct. 31, 2024)

Voter Identification: Vouching is allowed only for addresses.

Automated Voting: Prohibited.

Campaign Contributions: Union and corporate donations are permitted.

Campaign Limits: Alberta-wide limits introduced.

Councillor Training: Orientation training is now mandatory.

Electors Register: Municipalities must create a Permanent Electors Register in partnership with Elections Alberta.

Nomination Period: Extended from Jan. 1 to Nomination Day (Sept. 22, 2025).

Recall Petitions: Validation responsibility is transferred to the Minister.

Third-Party Advertising: Registration and financial disclosure required; capped at $5,000.

Form of nomination; section 27 (LAEA) lists all requirements every nomination of a candidate must adhere to. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accuracy of nomination. Municipal election forms may also be found on the Government of Alberta website here: Municipal election forms | Alberta.ca

Printed nomination packages, including the required forms, are also available at the M.D. of Spirit River Office in Spirit River.

Nomination Package

In accordance with section 47(1) of LAEA, a person is eligible to vote in an election if the person

1. is at least 18 years old,
2. is a Canadian citizen, and
3. resides in Alberta and the person’s place of residence is located in the local jurisdiction on election day

To vote, you must prove your identity and current address.

To do this, you may:

• Provide one piece of Government-issued photo ID, including your full name, current address, and photo
• Provide two pieces of ID, both containing your full name, and with one showing your current physical address
• Have another registered elector in your voting area vouch for you
• Have an authorized signatory complete an attestation form
• Voter Identification Requirments

Voting Time for Employees

Per section 58(1) of LAEA, an employee who is an elector shall, while the voting stations are open on election day, have 3 consecutive hours for the purpose of casting the employee’s vote.

(4) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not apply if the employer provides for the attendance of an employee who is an elector at a voting station while it is open during the hours of the employee’s employment with no deduction from the employee’s pay and without exacting any penalty.

(2) If the hours of the employee’s employment do not allow for 3 consecutive hours, the employee’s employer shall allow the employee any additional time for voting that is necessary to provide the employee the 3 consecutive hours, but the additional time for voting is to be granted at the convenience of the employer.

(3) No employer shall make any deduction from the pay of an employee nor impose on the employee or exact from the employee any penalty by reason of the employee’s absence from the employee’s work during the 3 consecutive hours or part of it.

• Nomination Package
• Local Authority Election Act