By-Election – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the by-election?
The By-Election will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Who can vote?
Any citizen is considered to be an elector and is eligible to vote, if they meet the following:
- 18 years or older
- A Canadian citizen
- A resident of Alberta
To vote, you must be on the voters list. This list contains the names and addresses of registered voters. It is used to administer elections and to make sure you get a voter information card in the mail when an election is called. The voter information card will tell you when and where to vote.
Three levels of government mean there are three different types of elections and each level of government has its own voters list. To learn how to register to vote :
– in a federal election, contact Elections Canada.
– in a provincial election contact Elections Alberta, or visit the online registration website at Voterlink – Home
– in a municipal election in Alberta, visit the Alberta Municipal Affairs website for more information.
Municipal government | Alberta.ca
You can visit www.elections.ab.ca for more information.
In order to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, proof of identity and current residence is required. Any of the following documents that has the voter’s name and address on it will be accepted as valid proof:
- Identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the elector and their name and current address.
- Bank or credit card statement or personal cheque.
- Government cheque or cheque stub.
- Income or property tax assessment notice.
- Insurance policy or coverage card.
- Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee.
- Pension plan statement of benefits, contributions or participation.
- Residential lease or mortgage statement.
- Statement of government benefits (for example, employment insurance, old-age security, social assistance, disability support or child tax benefit).
- Utility bill (for example, telephone, public utilities commission, television, hydro, gas
or water). - Vehicle ownership, registration or insurance certificate.
A letter or form (attestation) confirming that the person lives at the stated address will also be accepted as valid proof. The letter can be signed prior to the vote by any of the following:
- authorized representative of a commercial property management company;
- authorized representative of a correctional institution;
- authorized representative of a First Nations band or reserve;
- authorized representative of a post
- secondary institution;
- authorized representative of a facility that provides services to the homeless; or
- authorized representative of a supportive living facility or treatment centre.
If a voter’s identification shows a post office box number as the address instead of a residential or legal address, it can be accepted as verification of current address if it is in reasonable distance to the voting jurisdiction. The address does not have to be in the voting division or ward. An elected authority could, by bylaw, require additional verification or a combination of verification to establish the person’s specific current address.
Voter Identification Requirements
All voters must sign the voting register stating that they meet these qualifications before they will be given a ballot.
Voting in a Municipal Election
Does the Village of Stirling Vote for a Mayor?
No. Stirling elects five Village Councillors at large. The five Councillors then hold an annual organizational meeting where they choose the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
How do you become a candidate?
If you intend to run in the election and plan to raise funds to support your campaigning, you must first be registered with the Village Office. You can download Form 3A – Notice of Intent HERE.
The candidate can download the 2024 By-Election Nomination Package HERE or pick up the package from the Village Administration Office, fill out the form and has five (5) or more electors sign the nomination form. On the form, each candidate prints their name as they wish it to appear on the ballot. Any person who signs a nomination paper must be eligible to vote.
When are nomination papers filed?
Nomination papers can be submitted to the Village Office during regular office hours anytime between February 7, 2024 to April 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Nomination papers will not be accepted after 12:00 p.m. on April 9, 2024. A candidate may withdraw his or her nomination in writing at any time during the nomination period and up to 12:00 pm on April 9, 2024.
Signage
No signage is permitted:
- To be stapled to telephone or power poles
- On public property, such as churches, schools, hospitals, parks or municipal facilities
- At any polling station
Signs are permitted on boulevards only with permission of the property owner on whose residence the signage is located.
Signs must be removed from all sites within 24 hours of the election. If the signs are not removed, the Village crew will be instructed to remove and dispose of them.
Contact Information:
Scott Donselaar
Returning Officer
403-756-3379
cao@stirling.ca