Albertans have some questions about the upcoming senate election and referendum vote. Elections Alberta says that this election will be unlike any held recently and a new campaign will help explain the specifics of the upcoming votes.
A province-wide information campaign, which is designed to help voters navigate the senate election and referendum questions will start this week. Direct campaigning and social media material will include, who eligible to vote, where they can vote, how to learn more about the referendum questions, and who the Senate candidates are.
“What makes this particular election unique can also raise a lot of questions for electors,” says Pamela Renwick, Acting Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Alberta. “We felt it was important to develop an engaging but straightforward campaign to help people learn the answers to the questions they might have as voting day approaches.”
This October’s senate election and referendum vote is unique this time around, in how it’s being managed. As always, municipalities will conduct their own elections, but will also be issuing the ballots for the senate and referendum questions.
“Whether you live in an urban area, a rural municipality, a summer village, or Indigenous community, a number of entities across Alberta are working to help you cast your vote,” says Renwick.
Elections Alberta says a direct mail brochure will be mailed to more than 1.7 million points of call which is essentially, every household in Alberta, by early October.
Examples of campaign materials, videos and more information on the campaign can be found at elections.ab.ca. A Voter Information Centre is also available to answer questions about the senate election and referendum vote. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call toll free at 1-877-422-8683.