A Victory of sorts !!

Since our last update, more than 200 people, many associated with the Longest Ballot Committee, are now registered in the Battle River - Crowfoot by-election, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Due to the increase in number of candidates, the majority of which are associated with the Longest Ballot Committee, Elections Canada have decided that a Long Ballot will NOT be used, as this would have required a significant reduction in text-size on the ballot to accommodate this many names. 

Elections Canada said in a news release Monday that voters will be provided special ballots at advance polls and on election day. Electors will need to write their preferred candidate's name. Names of all candidates will be posted at each polling station. 

"This will replace the typical list-style ballot, on which electors mark a blank circle next to the name of the candidate of their choice," the news release said.

Write-in ballots to be used in Alberta byelection due to record number of candidates (Elections Canada News Release)

What If a Candidates name is spelled wrong ?

The Elections Act has a provision regarding Special Ballots, that states the following :

Elector’s intent - (2) An election officer shall not reject a special ballot for the sole reason that the elector has incorrectly written the name of a candidate, if the ballot clearly indicates the elector’s intent.

This means that if an elector misspells a candidates' name, the ballot will not be rejected if the intent is clear.

This is a victory for democracy as it means that the Long Ballot will not be able to cause disruption, chaos and extra work for poll workers during this election. It also sets a precedent going forward, should the Longest Ballot Committee decide to participate in future elections. 

Our Federal government still has some work to do, to make meaningful change to our Election Laws, to prevent groups like the Longest Ballot Committee from making a mockery of our electoral process.  Their activities during the campaign period of this by-election have been called into question recently with some sources suggesting that illegal practices are being employed to gather signatures and put forth candidates.