Following Monday’s Election, The City received a number of comments from residents concerned about a comment on social media from an election worker.
The comment, made in response to a social media post from a City Council candidate, discussed the person’s role in supporting electors at voting stations.
To ensure all eligible voters are able to cast their ballot, election workers can assist voters with visual impairments by reading out information on voting cards and are to remain impartial as they do so. This is in accordance with section 78 of the Local Authorities Election Act, which provides guidelines for elector assistance, noting a Deputy Returning Officer may, upon request, assist an elector who is unable to vote in the usual manner.
All election workers take mandatory training, which includes clear direction about non-partisanship as a person working in the election.
“Our election team received numerous reports from residents concerned about potential influence on voters from an election worker,” said Michelle Baer, Legal and Legislative Services Manager. “We take these concerns seriously and immediately began an investigation into the matter.”
The investigation was conducted by City of Red Deer Human Resources and Legal and Legislative Services staff, and involved a review of available evidence and an interview with the election worker. The investigation concluded and it was determined there was no evidence of wrongdoing.
“In speaking with the election worker, we were able to confirm that in both of the two instances where elector assistance was provided, all appropriate procedures policies were followed and most importantly, there was no attempt to influence the outcome of electors’ votes,” said Baer. “The investigation confirmed the individual understood their duties as a deputy returning officer and that they carried out those duties appropriately in the voting station. Based on this, there is no evidence of wrong-doing.”
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer