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Election

Show All Answers

1. Does the Town of Cochrane share voter lists with candidates?

No. Cochrane does not create or maintain a voters list and so there is no distribution of resident information to any of our candidates.

2. What time are the voting stations open on Election Day?

Voting stations are open from 7a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021.

3. How will the pandemic affect the election?

Every effort will be made to ensure the safety of voters and election staff.

4. Who makes the election rules?

Municipal elections in Alberta are regulated by the Local Authorities Election Act, which is provincial legislation. Each municipality also has a Municipal Election Bylaw to regulate any additional details specific to their municipality.

5. Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to vote in a general election?

Yes, you must be a Canadian citizen. You must also be:

• At least 18 years old; 
• A resident of Alberta and your place of residence is located in the local jurisdiction where you are voting on election day.

6. Do I need to show identification to vote?

In order to vote, you must prove your identity and address with one of the following: 

1. Government issued ID that shows both your name and current address.
2. Two pieces of ID which both include your name and one out of the two pieces of include your address. 

7. Can I still vote if I rent and don't own a home?

Yes, all citizens who meet the eligibility requirements can vote. Property ownership is not a determining factor. 

8. If I own a business in Cochrane, but don’t live there, can I still vote in the general election?

No. You would not meet the eligibility criteria as your place of residence must be located in the Town of Cochrane on Election Day.

9. I own property in more than one municipality. Where do I vote?

You must designate one place of residence in the following order of priority:

1. the address on your driver’s licence or an identification card issued by the Government of Alberta;
2. the address used for your income tax correspondence.
3. the address used for your mail.

10. I put my special ballot package in the mail. How do I know if my vote was counted?

It is your responsibility to ensure your ballot package has been received by the Returning Officer in advance of the special ballot deadline which is 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021.

11. Do I have to vote for candidates in every position?

No. You can vote for up to six candidates for Council. 

12. When will the election results be official?

The Returning Officer may publish unofficial results after the close of voting stations on election day. However, election results will be made official at 12 p.m. on October 22, 2021.

13. How often are municipal elections?

Municipal elections are held every four years in Alberta.

14. Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to vote in a municipal election?

Yes, you must be a Canadian citizen to vote. You also have to be a resident of Alberta for at least six months leading up to the election, and you must live in the municipality you want to vote in.

15. Do I need to show voter identification to vote?

Yes, you need to show ID to vote. Check the voter ID section for accepted forms of ID (there are lots).

16. How many people can I vote for?

Cochrane Town Council has six Councillors and one Mayor. You can vote for up to six candidates for Council (fewer than six is ok too).

17. I can’t make it to the voting station on Election Day. How else can I vote?

You can cast an advance vote, or a special ballot. 

18. When are election results announced?

The Town of Cochrane returning officer announces unofficial election results as soon as all the votes are counted on election day (usually within a couple of hours after the polls close at 8pm). The results become official at noon on the fourth day after the election.

19. How can I find out more about the candidates?

We have links to contact information for all candidates. You can also read the local newspaper and online news sources for articles and interviews with the candidates, or look for opportunities to meet with them in person and ask about their platforms and priorities.

20. How can I find out more about elections in Alberta?

There’s more information on Alberta Municipal Affairs website.

21. I'm not around on Nomination Day. Can I file my nomination papers earlier?

Yes. You can file your nomination papers beginning January 1 until noon on Nomination Day (Monday, September 20, 2021). 

22. Can I look at the nomination papers?

Yes. You can request to view nomination papers at any time during the nomination period, in the presence of the Returning Officer.

23. Someone voted who shouldn't. What do I do?

If you know of someone who voted even though they were ineligible, report it to the Returning Officer.

24. Are you allowed to campaign inside, outside or near a voting station on Election Day?

No. Campaigning is not allowed inside, outside or near a voting station. 

25. Can I challenge the validity of the election, a candidate or the process?

Yes. If you have concerns, contact the Returning Officer. 

26. Who can ask for a recount?

A recount may be made if the Returning Officer is shown reasonable grounds by a candidate, official agent or a scrutineer that the count of votes is inaccurate. The Returning Officer may also consider a recount based on the number of rejected ballots, valid ballots objected to, or any administrative or technical errors. 

27. What happens if there is a tie?

The Returning Officer will write the names of those candidates in the tie on separate pieces of paper and will "draw a name from a hat". The name on the paper pulled from the hat is considered to receive one more vote. 

28. Can a person with a criminal record run in a local election?

Yes; unless they have been convicted of an election offence (federal, provincial or local) within the past 10 years, they are allowed to run in the election. Ineligibility to run in a local election is outlined in section 22 of the Local Authorities Election Act.

29. Can I take a picture or video of the ballot, either with or without any markings?

No, you are not allowed to distribute or share any form or ballot printed by the Returning Officer.

30. When and where can I put up election signs in the community?

Election signs can go up on private property at anytime. Be sure to ask permission before putting signs on private land and call Alberta One Call at 1-800-242-3447 before you dig. Election signs on public property can go up at the close of Nomination Day (Monday, September 20, 2021) and must be removed within the 48 hours after Election Day. 

31. Does the Town of Cochrane share voter lists with candidates?

No. Cochrane does not create or maintain a voters list and so there is no distribution of resident information to any of our candidates.

32. Where and when can I vote?

ELECTION DAY: OCTOBER 18, 2021  7:00AM TO 8:00PM

Polling Station 1:	Frank Wills Memorial Hall, 405 1 St E, Cochrane
Polling Station 2:	Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive Cochrane
Polling Station 3:	Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road

 

Advance poll dates are as follows:

Advance Poll 1: October 9, 2021	Spray Lakes Sawmills Sports Centre (Gymnasium) 10:00am to 4:00pm
Advance Poll 2: October 12, 2021	Cochrane RancheHouse – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Advance Poll 3: October 14, 2021	Cochrane RancheHouse – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Advance Poll 4: October 16, 2021	Spray  Lakes Sawmills Sports Centre (Gymnasium) 10:00am to 4:00pm

33. As an employee of the Town, what steps do I need to take in order to run for Council?

Provide notice to your manager by July 1, 2021 that you will require a unpaid leave of absence due to running for Council. 

File your nomination paperwork prior to beginning any campaigning or receiving any financial contributions or incurring any expenses.

Take a leave from your position as of September 19, 2021. If elected, you will need to resign your current position as of October 19, 2021.

If not elected, you would resume your regular duties as of October 19, 2021.