What are rules governing election campaigning near polling stations?
Posted May 24, 2023 1:59 pm.
Last Updated May 24, 2023 2:42 pm.
Campaign signs are flooding city streets just days ahead of the provincial election.
As Albertans head to cast their votes in advance this week, what are the rules when it comes to campaigning near polling stations?
A photo circulating on social media shows UCP candidate Raj Sherman’s campaign-wrapped truck parked outside the Terwillegar Rec Centre in Edmonton – an advance polling site.
“Looks like @RajSherman has parked his campaign-wrapped truck outside of an advance polling station (Terwillegar Rec Centre). Been parked outside for a some time today,” Twitter user Aaron wrote Tuesday.
Sherman tweeted, in reply, that he was parked on “a public roadway not on the parking lots.”
Elections Alberta has confirmed to CityNews that’s legal.
“Because the Election Act speaks to voting places, or the property of voting place, and that’s not on the property, so that’s not something we can enforce,” spokesperson Robyn Bell said. “And if complaints were received, it’s just not something the Election Act would allow us to follow up on.
“Candidates are allowed to go to voting places to vote, and driving their vehicle there is allowed, whether it’s branded or not, but any campaigning or signage placed on the voting place or on the property would not be allowed.”
https://twitter.com/RajSherman/status/1661162095919132672
Another photo circulating on social media showed a volunteer for UCP candidate Sayid Ahmed leaning against a car with a campaign sign attached, allegedly in the parking lot of a polling station.
Ahmed’s campaign manager told CityNews they weren’t campaigning, but instead offered a supporter a ride to the polling station.
“On the side of the car we have a magnet with Sayid’s name on it so they could identify when they pull up to the building,” said Gordon Deeks. “He drove them to the voting at the Ukrainian Centre, and basically waited in the car when she voted. It was about two or three minutes, she voted, and they drove away.”
https://twitter.com/photo57/status/1661106174232764416
Deeks says they have taken action and will no longer drive marked vehicles to voting stations.
“We have now guided our people to take the magnets off… when we drive to the voting stations.”
Elections Alberta says it reviews every complaint received.
“Most we can result in a quick turnaround time,” said Bell. “It obviously depends on the nature of the complaint, and what is required for an investigation if we are going to pursue an investigation. So some are more time consuming and can proceed beyond the campaign period, but most can be resolved within the election period.”
Campaign signs found in non-compliance of the rules may cause it to be removed or discontinued, Bell says, and candidates could face a series of consequences.
“Non-compliant ads may also be subject to action by the Election Commissioner,” Bell said. “The Election Commissioner may enter into a compliance agreement, issue a letter of reprimand, levy an administrative penalty, or refer the matter for prosecution.”