The NDP government is putting rules in place governing provincial elections in the future.

They've already banned corporate and union donations and now they're introducing stricter spending and donation limits for third parties.

There would be a limit of $150,000 for third parties and of that no more than $3,000 could be used to support or oppose one or more candidates in any one electoral division.

Money spent by third parties on canvassing and organizing events to promote or oppose a party or candidate would count as advertising expenses and would be subject to the legislation.

The act would also provide additional oversight and enforcement through the creation of a new Election Commissioner who would be appointed on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly and would be responsible for investigating alleged breaches of election legislation as well as recommending prosecutions.

To make it easier to vote, there'll be one more advance voting day and anyone casting a ballot on advance voting days would be able to go to any polling station in any riding.

Canadian citizens who move to Alberta will no longer have to live in the province six months before the election to be eligible to vote.

And, people with disabilities would be able to vote with privacy and dignity using voter-assist terminals. These terminals allow voters to mark their ballot using a braille-coded keypad, audio cues or breath-operated devices.

 

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