Title
Election Bylaw No. 2013-02
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw No. 2013-02 receive second reading as amended.
2. That Bylaw No. 2013-02 receive third and final reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To establish conditions and procedures for the conduct of elections.
Summary
This Bylaw provides authorization to enter into joint election agreements, use modified voting procedures and conduct advance vote(s), require candidate nomination deposits of $100, address the death of a candidate, expand voting station hours, use automated voting systems, prescribe the form of the Ballot Card, and creates procedures for automated voting, post vote procedures and recounts. Nomination Bylaw 27-98, Modified Voting Procedure Bylaw 11-2004 and Voting Stations Hours Bylaw 180-2010 are repealed by this election bylaw. Council gave Bylaw 2013-02 received first reading at their Special Council Meeting held January 15th, 2013.
Administration is recommending a number of amendments to the Automated Voting Procedures, Post Vote Procedures, and Voting Stations (Modified Voting Procedures) sections of Bylaw 2013-02. The recommended amendments are highlighted in yellow on the attached bylaw, and are required to further clarify the intent of the section(s) or adjust the procedure(s) to reflect the final automated voting system processes confirmed by Administration during our detailed election planning.
Section 160(2) of the Local Authorities Election Act L-21, RSA 2000, allows the Minister, by order, to authorize the elected authority to pass a bylaw adopting the system for conducting an election. Section 14 of this bylaw authorizes Parkland County to adopt a modified system of conducting an election by allowing for more than one voting station in each voting subdivision subsequent to the Ministers approval. On February 4th, 2013, the Minister of Municipal Affairs confirmed that Parkland County's Ministerial Order issued in 2004 is still in effect; therefore the provisions of the bylaw allowing for multiple voting stations in each voting subdivision can be passed pursuant to Ministerial Order L:057/04.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Bylaw No. 2013-02 supports Parkland County's governance strategic goal to be recognized as a well-led, well-managed municipality with a solid foundation of sound policies, good planning, responsive processes and effective decision-making that are focused on the responsible use of resources entrusted to it and the long-term best interests of the community as a whole, and conducts an election that complies with the Local Authorities Election Act L-21, RSA 2000.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $43,300
Source of Funding: 2013 Budget
Other (As Required)
2013 election candidates will experience a fair election process and eligible voters will have the opportunity to conveniently and secretly vote for the candidate of their choice.