This engagement has been archived

Status: Completed in November 2018

Ministry responsible: Municipal Affairs

Overview

The Local Authorities Election Act outlines the rules for conducting elections in municipalities, school boards, Métis Settlements and irrigation districts.

These laws are generally reviewed after every municipal election to ensure they are up-to-date.

Input received

In summer 2018, we engaged with Albertans, municipalities, school boards, irrigation districts and Métis Settlements through face-to-face meetings and an online survey designed to provide input on a number of topics, including:

campaign contributions and finances

campaign expenses

third-party advertising

school board trustee elections

voter identification

advance votes

residency requirements

banning corporate and union donations

More than 1,500 people responded before the survey closed on August 1, 2018.

Read about the engagement highlights (PDF, 432 KB)

Outcomes

Feedback from Albertans, municipalities, school boards, irrigation districts and Métis settlements was used to help develop the proposed changes outlined in Bill 23: An Act to Renew Local Democracy that was introduced on November 5, 2018.

Results of the engagement activities showed strong support for the following issues:

95% supported mandatory advance voting

95% supported applying campaign finance rules to school board elections

94% supported rules for third-party advertisers

92% supported fundraising donations disclosure

90% supported banning corporate and union donations

85% supported lowering contribution limits

68% supported expanding vouching

Learn more changes to local election rules.