Title
Election Bylaw 2024-23
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw 2024-23 receive first reading.
2. That Bylaw 2024-23 receive second reading.
3. That Bylaw 2024-23 be presented at this meeting for third reading.
4. That Bylaw 2024-23 receive third and final reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To establish conditions and procedures to conduct the 2025 election.
Summary
In accordance with Section 27(2) of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), a bylaw is required to be passed by a municipality prior to December 31 of the year prior to a general election year. Bylaw 2024-23 is being presented in accordance with the LAEA.
Councilors serve four-year terms. October 20, 2025 is set to be the next general municipal election.
Bylaw 2024-23 aligns with the amendments of the LAEA that became in effect October 31, 2024. Highlights of Bylaw 2024-23 include:
- Tabulating machines are prohibited and therefore there is a requirement that ballots be created, processed and counted by hand and managed by the municipality.
- The requirement that a Permanent Elector Register be utilized for eligible voters. Previous Elections allowed for the elector to sign a declaration acknowledging their ability to vote in the election. This Election will require the name be on a Permanent Elector Registry AND includes further identification requirements. Currently an additional declaration form is not known.
Bylaw 2024-23 provides authorization to enter into joint election agreements, use manual voting procedures and conduct advance vote(s), require candidate nomination deposits, provision for special ballots, voting station hours, post-vote procedures, and recounts.
Section 160(1) 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. Sections 44 and 45 of this Bylaw authorize Parkland County ...
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