Former Alberta election chief says mail-in ballot rules are blocking voters ahead of referendum

Glen Resler, Alberta's former chief electoral officer, says Elections Alberta is disenfranchising voters like himself by refusing to accept hand-delivered mail-in ballots.

Resler applied for a special ballot in the October 19 referendum but could not return it by mail last week when Canada Post could still guarantee delivery before the 5 p.m. Friday, October 16 deadline. He attempted to deliver his ballot in person to Elections Alberta's Edmonton office, but the agency turned him away and directed him to vote at advance polls that week—an option that did not work because he was leaving town.

"There's a clause that allows the chief electoral officer to permit in-person deliveries but he's refusing to use that power," Resler said.

Elections Alberta acknowledged the restriction, saying it interprets "not reasonably possible to access mail services" as limited to voters in remote areas, not urban voters facing logistical constraints. The rule was introduced last year by the province. Elections Alberta also acknowledged that the rule represents a barrier for voters and expressed hope the government will consider changes in future.

The referendum covers immigration and Canada's Constitution. Early advance polling has been available.