Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Referendum (General) Regulation amendments · in-force

Referendum general regulation amendments 2025 343

Amends the Referendum (General) Regulation to establish a comprehensive framework for scrutineers, including appointment, eligibility, duties, and a mandatory code of conduct. It also formalizes the Chief Electoral Officer's responsibiliti…

High impactElection rulesInstitutional independenceCentralization of powerThe public, directlyIndependent watchdogs

What changed

  • Introduces a definition for "scrutineer" and establishes detailed rules for their appointment, eligibility, and duties during referendums.
  • Formalizes the Chief Electoral Officer's responsibility to publish notices containing the referendum question, conduct method, and other relevant information.
  • Mandates the Chief Electoral Officer to establish and post a code of conduct for scrutineers, with provisions for removal if the code is violated.
  • Amends various sections to update references from "alternative voting equipment" to "elector assistance terminal" and from "Tabulation of Official Results" to "Final Statement of Official Count".
  • Removes references to "section 2" of the Referendum Act in several clauses, and amends the calculation for the voting day.
  • Amends Section 24 by striking out "Metis settlement council, elected authority, band council of an Indian band" and substituting "elected authority".

Why it matters

  • Enhances the transparency and integrity of the referendum process by standardizing the role and conduct of scrutineers.
  • Formalizes the Chief Electoral Officer's institutional authority in disseminating public information about referendums, contributing to electoral transparency.
  • Centralizes oversight of scrutineer conduct under the Chief Electoral Officer, potentially increasing accountability and consistency.
  • Updates electoral terminology to align with modern voting technologies and reporting standards.
  • The amendment to Section 24 narrows the scope of application of the regulation, potentially impacting specific Indigenous governance bodies.

Rights affected

  • Voting & democratic participation — The mechanics and integrity of elections and referenda.

Other governance concerns

  • Formalization of the Chief Electoral Officer's role in public information dissemination, with a specific limitation on providing arguments for or against questions.
  • Standardization of scrutineer conduct and clear provisions for removal, impacting oversight of the voting process.
  • The amendment to Section 24 may alter the application of the regulation to specific Indigenous governance structures.

Primary sources (1)