(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Jaelene Tweedle

Red Deer city council byelection details released; one nominee already registered

Feb 20, 2024 | 5:15 PM

Further information on service levels has been announced regarding Red Deer city council’s first by-election.

The by-election will take place on April 22, 2024, and, as part of budget deliberations, council approved $350,000 for the process, $100,000 less than initially planned.

At council’s regular meeting on Monday, the City said that by reducing the number of voting locations and advance vote days, they are confident they can complete the by-election within budget.

READ MORE:

Red Deer municipal by-election to be held on April 22, 2024

mall went on lockdown

Two youths arrested at Bower Place after firearms complaints

May 19, 2024

future use uncertain

Downtown building removed, but fire-ravaged property next door remains

May 18, 2024

2024 Red Deer grad ceremonies coming up soon

May 18, 2024

‘Challenging budget’: Red Deer property tax rate increases amended to 6.15 per cent

Interested candidates must submit their nomination documents prior to March 25 at noon. While there is no cost required, candidates must have five elector signatures to be valid.

So far, only one candidate has been officially registered: Jaelene Tweedle, former Alberta NDP candidate for Red Deer-North.

On her nomination page, she says her priorities consist of public service, budget and taxation, advocating to provincial governments, creating a better city for all Red Deerians, and moving forward by learning from and honoring the past.

The City confirmed that other nominees have begun the nomination process.

Three advanced polling days will be scheduled on April 18, 19, and 20, with various stations across the city.

Voting hours for advanced and election day will be from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The City will continue with their ‘Vote Anywhere’ model, allowing electors to vote at any location, regardless of where they live.

Other options include institutional voting, with the City anticipating 15-20 facilities requesting the service at $4,900 in staff costs, and voting at home at $1,000 in staff costs.

The City confirms electronic counting machines will be used as before, as well as an external tabulator service.

Residents are allowed to apply for Special Ballots, meaning voting by mail, if they are unable to vote during regular voting days because of physical disability, absence from the local jurisdiction, being a returning officer, deputy returning officer, substitute returning officer, constable, candidate, official agent or scrutineer who may be located on election day at a voting station other than that for the elector’s place of residence. Administration is anticipating 250 requests for this service, totalling under $5,000, and Special Ballots must be received by the Returning Officer at City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on election day. Interested residents can contact the City by phone at 403-342-8111 or email at elections@reddeer.ca to apply.

Mayor Ken Johnston says he hopes residents participate, as municipal elections have generally had only a 25 per cent voter turnout.

“About one out of four of the electorate is involved so I really want to encourage people, particularly in the legacy of Councillor [Michael] Dawe where he was so connected to the democratic process over the years, so dedicated to our community affairs. It would be a great way to honor Councillor Dawe by the community turning out to the polls,” he said.

READ: Red Deer city council remembers councillors Michael Dawe and Frank Wong during meeting

Visit elections.reddeer.ca for more details.

—–

Download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.