Legal action on election failures

Update: Justice Binder has ruled on this case. He recognized the serious problems with the election and granted that the case had merit. However, expressing hopes that more recent legislative changes have addressed the problems, he declined to rule on whether the irregularities constituted an infringement of people’s right to vote.

“While it’s not the result we were hoping for, we are pleased that this court case shone a much needed light on a dark corner of Alberta politics and we’re very grateful to everyone who supported this effort,” says Larry Booi, chair of Public Interest Alberta.

For more on the decision, see the Edmonton Journal article, Alberta must take reasonable steps to ensure people can vote, judge says

Citizens denied right to vote in last provincial election due to mismanagement and political influence

Public Interest Alberta is supporting the launch of an important legal action to defend Albertans' right to vote. The action requests a court declaration that, if granted, would create clear and enforceable guidelines for the government to follow regarding election protocol and voter's rights.

View the December 21, 2009, Media Release

Download the Originating Notice of Motion

Since the 2008 provincial election (with its record low voter turnout of 41%), a number of concerns have been raised by voters who felt their right to vote was hindered by misinformation and procedural barriers. These accounts are being collected and researched to determine what could have been done to ensure all Albertan voters are able to participate in future elections.