Changes proposed by the provincial government could change the future of politics on a municipal level.
On Thursday, April 26th Minister of Municipal Affairs Rick McIver announced the United Conservatives are proposing changes to the Local Authorities Election Act through the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act. The changes include the province having the authority to remove a local politician from public office if it’s in the “public interest” and allowing cabinet ministers to order changes to municipal bylaws.
In his announcement, McIver says that the changes are part of the provincial government’s commitment to strengthen not only the democratic process but the local government.
“The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections,” McIver said in a statement.
The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act also includes the elimination of electronic tabulators and automated voting machines. This will result in all ballots needing to be counted by hand and reportedly “streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.”
In Calgary and Edmonton, the province will be putting a pilot project in place, where the opportunity will be created for a local candidate to join a political party if they want to, but it will not be required.