Alberta Govt. introduces legislation to create fixed Provincial election dates

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

According to an Alberta Government press release issued today, the provincial government has introduced Bill 21, the Election Amendment Act, which will create a fixed, three-month period in which provincial elections will be held every four years.

“Establishing a fixed election period has benefits for all Albertans,” said Verlyn Olson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “Albertans will be better able to plan to participate or involve themselves in the election process, as voters, as candidates, and as volunteers.”

According to the proposed amendment, starting in 2012 a general election would be held between March 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012.  After that general elections would be held in this same three-month window in the fourth calendar year following polling day in the most recent general election.

The three-month window is said to allow flexibility in setting the election date so it does not conflict with days of cultural or religious significance, other election dates, or for any other unforeseen circumstance.

The Lieutenant Governor would retain the power to dissolve the Legislature if necessary.

Alberta Premier Alison Redford promised to introduce this legislation during her successful campaign for the Progressive Conservative party leadership.