Elections Alberta sent an email out Saturday apologizing for special ballot packages it said were sent in error. Some Albertans reported receiving a ballot that required them to sign a self-declaration that threatened them with up to two years in prison or a $50,000 fine if they made a false declaration. Saturday, Elections Alberta said in its email that it was all a big misunderstanding. “Special ballot packages that were sent by mail include a declaration that electors using this voting method are required to sign and return in their special ballot package. It contains a line “I declare that I am unable to vote at an advance voting place or a voting place on Election Day” that is causing concern and confusion for electors. “This is carryover language from a previous version of the Election Act which required reasons to apply for a special ballot,” the agency wrote. Electors are instructed to cross out the declaration statement and complete the rest of the form. The agency added the language was not in ballots picked up in-person. “All ballots returned in completed special ballot packages, regardless of the way they are folded, will be accepted by Elections Alberta. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience and apologize for any confusion or concern this may be causing. For assistance in getting a new package, please contact at 1.877.422.VOTE (8683).” On Thursday, Elections Alberta Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Dallas Stoesz addressed the issue in an interview with CTV Calgary. 290,000 requests Elections Alberta said Thursday it has received over 290,000 requests for special mail-in ballots ahead of the October 19 provincial vote — nearly five times the number of ballots requested during the 2023 election. The surge in requests coincides with the intensifying debate over Alberta’s future. Thursday, Stoesz attributed the increase to recent news about special ballots. But some voters say their ballot packages were missing items. Donna Ogston said she received the first nine ballots but was missing the 10th referendum question, which deals with Alberta separation. “I’ve messaged one person who’s missing a question, and then I’ve been in contact with another person,” Ogston said. “She says she is aware of other people who have missing ballots.” Elections Alberta said a small number of voters have reported missing questions or ballot packages. “A couple of handfuls right now” of people have reported missing part of their ballot package,” Stoesz said. Stoesz asks anyone who is missing part of their package to contact Elections Alberta. ‘Step in the right direction’: Alberta NDP Alberta NDP MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods, Christina Gray, said the clarification is a step in the right direction, but voters need more information. “That’s why one of our calls today is that there should be a second mailer,” Gray said. Elections Alberta has moved the deadline to request a special ballot from Oct. 9 to Sept. 25 because of high demand. Lori Williams, a political science professor at Calgary’s Mount Royal University, said the change could cause confusion. “If you first thought and publicly announced that they had until Oct. 9 and they’ve now moved it to Sept. 25, that’s really not fair to folks who aren’t getting their information on a timely and regular basis,” Williams said. Elections Alberta is also asking voters to review the referendum questions before election day to help polling stations move more quickly. With files from CTV News’ Moses Woldu
