Bill 20 is an attack on local democracy, and an excuse to funnel more money into local campaigns, and out of local governments.

This bill makes several concerning changes to local elections in Alberta, including the introduction of political parties in Edmonton and Calgary, opening the door to more money for campaigns, and giving the Province unprecedented powers to interfere with local decision makers.

Bill 20 also mandates the use of paper ballots in local elections. Municipalities across Alberta have a strong track record of safe, secure and free elections - to imply otherwise is reckless and needlessly shakes Albertan’s faith in our electoral process. Edmonton Elections has used voting tabulators for over two decades.

Banning the use of quality assured tabulators to count paper ballots will delay results, add increased costs for personnel and increase the probability of Judicial Review.