The Alberta government has announced it is reviewing the Local Authorities Election Act and all Albertans are invited to provide input on possible changes to legislation before consultations close July 31.
The move is being made in response to a municipal call for review of the legislation, following the elections of 2010.
Some of the major changes suggested in a report, submitted to the government by the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) after last fall’s annual meeting, include moving from three- to four-year terms for local elected officials and having elections in the spring instead of fall.
“Given that voting is one of the most fundamental democratic rights, all Albertans deserve a say in how their local elections are governed,” said Doug Griffiths, minister of municipal affairs.
Rocky View County Reeve Rolly Ashdown said the review was welcome.
“I think a review is a good idea,” he said. “It is time to look at things and see if they are running right. It is a good thing that they are doing.”
Ashdown said Rocky View council is on board with the idea of changing from three- to four-year terms.
“It does give you the opportunity to get things done as a council,” he said. “A lot of the first year is spent seeing how things are looking. (This would give) an appropriate amount of time to be able to see projects through.”
Ashdown added he wasn’t sure it would be a good idea to move elections to spring, as it would be difficult for aspiring politicians to knock on doors in the dark winter months. He said late spring would work, as would an earlier fall election, perhaps in the month of September before harvest season gets underway.
The AUMA also wants nominations, voter eligibility, residency requirements, campaign financing and ballot procedures to be part of the review.
The Local Authorities Act, which provides a framework for processes and procedures for municipal and school board elections, was reviewed by an MLA Committee in 2005 and has had several amendments in recent years.
However, according to the AUMA’s report, in recent years its members voiced concerns with the amendments, some of which the association states have not been addressed.
As well, the AUMA’s resolution to enable campaign contributors to local candidates to receive tax reductions or credits are still outstanding.
During the review, which will also include consultation with the AUMA and Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, the Province hopes to gain information on possible amendments prior to the 2013 elections.
“There are many issues up for discussion and there are a lot of complexities involved,” said Griffiths.
“We want to hear from Albertans and from municipalities on these issues, so any changes can be made this fall in time for the 2013 local elections.”
Residents can take part in a survey at www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca until July 31. Individuals may provide input through the online survey, and municipalities and municipal organizations have the option of using either the online survey or completing a written submission.
