Title
Voter Identification Bylaw No. 2013-01
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw No. 2013-01 receive first reading.
2. That Parkland County apply for a Ministerial Order to relax requirements of the Local Authorities Election Act section 53(3) so Voter Identification Bylaw No. 2013-01 may be passed no later than four (4) months prior to Nomination Day.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
Bylaw No. 2013-01 requires first reading at this time to commence the required advertising of the bylaw, to allow time for petitions before giving the bylaw second and third readings.
Summary
Recent amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) now require that persons who wish to vote must also provide identification (in addition to making a statement in the presence of an officer at the voting station in the prescribed form). According to the identification requirements of the LAEA, if a municipality requires proof of age (in addition to verification of name and current address) or wishes to provide for the number and types of identification that are required, a bylaw must be passed.
The LAEA requires that a bylaw regarding voter identification requirements must be passed no later than six (6) months prior to nomination day of a year in which an election is to be held. If Council were to give first reading on January 15 and Administration advertised the proposed bylaw on January 18 and 25, then allowing 60 days for petitions, there is not enough time to give second and third readings to Bylaw No. 2013-01 prior to six months before nomination day. For this reason, Administration is recommending that the County apply (to the Minister of Municipal Affairs) for relaxation of the six-month timeline requirement, to allow us to give second and third readings of Bylaw No. 2013-01 no later than four (4) months prior to nomination day.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
LAEA section 53 provides the requirements and options for proof of elector eligibility. LAEA section 53.1 provides the requirements for advertising a section 53 bylaw. The advertisement must include the procedure to be followed by anyone wishing to file a petition in respect of the proposed bylaw. The Municipal Government Act sections 222-226 provide petition sufficiency requirements which includes a 60-day timeline for signatures. LAEA section 160 allows elected authorities to apply to the relevant Minister for variances or modifications to voting conduct and procedures of an election.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A
Other