3rd-party advertisers can’t appoint scrutineers in Alberta referendum and both sides aren’t happy about it

Registered third-party advertisers (TPAs) on both sides of the separation debate are unhappy that Elections Alberta will not allow them to appoint scrutineers to monitor the vote.

Elections Alberta sent a letter to TPAs on Friday informing them of the decision.

The letter warns that it “would create significant logistical concerns,” adding more bodies to what might already be tight spaces. 

Elections Alberta says political parties holding official party status will be allowed to appoint scrutineers. The United Conservative Party and NDP confirmed to CBC News they will have scrutineers present. 

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The decision came after campaigners had already applied to appoint scrutineers. As of Tuesday morning, Elections Alberta’s website still said TPAs can appoint scrutineers for a referendum. 

“It’s not that [TPAs are] not allowed; it’s that they’re not needed at this stage,” said Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan. She says there are already a sufficient number of scrutineers from political parties. 

A group of pro-separation TPAs is now calling on Elections Alberta to allow some scrutineers and announce the change by 5 p.m. Tuesday, the same day advance polls opened across the province. 

Albertans line up to vote outside Bow Valley Christian Church in Calgary on Tuesday, the first day of advance voting in the provincial referendum. (Ted Henley/CBC)

Typically, political parties or candidates appoint scrutineers to monitor locations during voting and ballot counting. 

But unlike in a traditional election, this referendum has no candidates, and TPAs have done the bulk of the visible campaigning on both sides.

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Seven groups campaigning in favour of separation co-signed a letter to Elections Alberta. 

In it, they note that both the United Conservative Party and NDP are campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada, leaving those in favour of Option 2 unrepresented as scrutineers.

Albertans will vote either Option 1, to remain in Canada, or Option 2, to start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on separation. 

“Respectfully, your decision flies in the face of the rationale for having scrutineers. It is contrary to the principles of democratic transparency,” the letter to Elections Alberta said.

Third-party advertiser Jason Lavigne, one of the signatories of the letter, says he understands space could be an issue. 

That’s why they are suggesting Elections Alberta allow scrutineers from Forever Canadian to represent the federalist side and Let Alberta Decide for the separatists. 

“Limiting it down to one TPA from either side I think is a great compromise,” he said. 

“After reviewing that letter [from Elections Alberta], several of us were very concerned because immediately the backlash online was high from people calling into question whether or not this will be a fair election.” 

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Cory Morgan, who heads the TPA Pathway to Independence, agrees the decision could contribute to mistrust of the system. 

“And that’s unfortunate because I do believe that the system is secure, but allowing open scrutineers is part of what helps maintain that confidence,” Morgan said.

Advance polls are open Tuesday through Saturday, with the referendum set for Oct. 19. (CBC)

Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk told CBC News he wishes his group had been allowed scrutineers, and says they have more than enough volunteers to fill the roles.

When it comes to the suggestion of granting his group status, Lukaszuk said he is “honoured that the separatists see the Forever Canadian movement as the flagship movement for unity.”

However, he says he trusts it will be a fair process and is not challenging Elections Alberta’s decision.

Bradley Lafortune, executive director of Public Interest Alberta, heads the TPA Together: “No!” His group is in favour of remaining in Canada, and opposes the nine other ballot questions on immigration and constitutional changes.

His group had submitted applications for 200 scrutineers. It is “a shame,” he said, that they will not be permitted. 

“More scrutineers overseeing the process means that more Albertans will have confidence in the process and ultimately the result,” he said.

Lafortune says instead those volunteers will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts.

Former Alberta chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson says the decision itself could be challenged. 

“However, considering that advance poll voting is already started, I’m not certain that there would be a resolution to this that would be satisfactory to third-party advertisers before voting is essentially complete,” he said. 

He says he understands Elections Alberta’s concerns around space, especially since he expects voter turnout to be high, and expects more election workers will be needed given there are 10 ballot questions. 

Advance voting is open Tuesday through Saturday, with referendum day set for Oct. 19.