by Elections Canada
OTTAWA, April 15, 2011 – In light of the focus on youth and student electoral participation at
the 41 st general election, and on efforts to increase voter interest
and turnout among this group, a well-intentioned returning officer
undertook a special initiative to create an opportunity for students at
the University of Guelph to vote by special ballot.
Once Elections
Canada officials were made aware of the local initiative in Guelph, the
returning officer was instructed not to engage in any further activities
of a similar nature.
All returning officers have received this
instruction.
While the initiative at the University of Guelph was not
pre-authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer, the Canada Elections Act
provides that electors may apply for and vote by special ballot. A
special ballot coordinator, appointed by the local returning officer,
oversaw the activities at the University of Guelph. All information at
our disposal indicates that the votes were cast in a manner that
respects the Canada Elections Act and are valid.
The Special Voting Rules of the
Canada Elections Act provide for the use of the special ballot to assist
electors in a range of situations. Certain electors, including members
of the Canadian Forces serving abroad and electors away from their
ridings during a federal election (eg. snowbirds), can vote only by
special ballot.
The special ballot is also available to all electors who
wish to vote by mail or at the local Elections Canada office.
Because
the rules governing the use of the special ballot are different from
those for standard voting methods, Elections Canada generally uses the
special ballot outside the local Elections Canada office in defmed
circumstances to assist electors who face barriers to voting, such as
electors in acute care hospitals or in isolated work camps in locations
like Fort McMurray in northern Alberta.
“Initiatives of this nature are expected to be planned well ahead of
the election,” said Chief Electoral Officer of Canada Marc Mayrand.
“Parties are consulted, to avoid any confusion and to give them an
opportunity to raise any possible concerns so that these may be
considered and, where appropriate, addressed prior to conducting such
initiatives.”
In light of the focus on youth and student electoral participation at
the 41 st general election, and on efforts to increase voter interest
and turnout among this group, a well-intentioned returning officer
undertook a special initiative to create an opportunity for students at
the University of Guelph to vote by special ballot. Once Elections
Canada officials were made aware of the local initiative in Guelph, the
returning officer was instructed not to engage in any further activities
of a similar nature. All returning officers have received this
instruction.
While the initiative at the University of Guelph was not
pre-authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer, the Canada Elections Act
provides that electors may apply for and vote by special ballot. A
special ballot coordinator, appointed by the local returning officer,
oversaw the activities at the University of Guelph. All information at
our disposal indicates that the votes were cast in a manner that
respects the Canada Elections Act and are valid.
