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no evidence

No wrongdoing by election worker, City of Red Deer determines

Oct 21, 2021 | 4:21 PM

The City of Red Deer says it’s found no wrongdoing on the part of an election worker who served as a deputy returning officer on election day, Oct. 18.

rdnewsNOW reported earlier this week that the City was investigating after a woman claiming to be an election worker commented on a Facebook post saying she’d helped seniors select candidates who ‘stood for freedom.’

The comment remains up as of Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

READ MORE: Alleged election impropriety being investigated by City of Red Deer

“Our election team received numerous reports from residents concerned about potential influence on voters from an election worker,” says Michelle Baer, Legal and Legislative Services Manager on Thursday. “We take these concerns seriously and immediately began an investigation into the matter.”

The investigation was conducted by City of Red Deer Human Resources and Legal and Legislative Services staff, and involved, “a review of available evidence and an interview with the election worker.”

No evidence was found, according to the City, which reiterates that all election workers participate in mandatory training, which includes clear direction about remaining non-partisan.

“In speaking with the election worker, we were able to confirm that in both of the two instances where elector assistance was provided, all appropriate procedures and policies were followed and most importantly, there was no attempt to influence the outcome of electors’ votes,” Baer adds.

“The investigation confirmed the individual understood their duties as a deputy returning officer and that they carried out those duties appropriately in the voting station. Based on this, there is no evidence of wrongdoing.”