How will I know when there is an election in my District?
Whenever an election is called for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the Chief Electoral Officer will issue a Notice of Vote.
The Notice of Vote and Election Announcement will be posted on the website of the Office Chief Electoral Officer (OCEO) at metiselectionsab.com
The Notice of Vote will also be published in local print media, and on OCEO social media channels.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government also shares the Notice of Vote through the following communication channels:
- Otipemisiwak Métis Government website (albertametis.com)
- Email blasts to Métis citizens
- Voyageur Voice newsletter
- Otipemisiwak Métis Government Social Media Channels
Do I need to register to vote?
Métis citizens do not need to register to vote. If you are an active citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, aged 16 or older on the final day of voting and have lived in your district for 90 days before the close of voting, you will automatically be added to the voter’s list.
It is strongly recommended by the Chief Electoral Officer that Métis citizens confirm that they have the correct information on file with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Registry department – this includes your residential address, mailing address, email and mobile number. This ensures that you don’t miss out on receiving updates and information on elections.
Métis citizens can confirm and update their information using the Contact Information Portal.
If you have questions about using the portal, or updating your contact information, please reach out to the Registry Department at 780-455-2200 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note that the Office of the Chief Electoral Office cannot update citizens contact information.
Who is eligible to vote in Otipemisiwak Métis Government Elections?
- Active Métis citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, with a valid MNA number.
- Citizens who are sixteen (16) years of age or older
- Citizen who have been ordinarily resident in a District for at least 90 days before the close of voting.
- Eligibility for voting is based on residential address, not mailing address.
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If a citizen is not ordinarily resident in a District, they are entitled to vote in an election for the office of President, Provincial Women’s Representative, and Provincial Youth
Representative, or in a referendum. However, they would not be eligible to vote for Citizens’ Representative, District Captain, or District Councillor.
Do I need to request a mail-in ballot package?
Each eligible voter will automatically be sent a mail-in ballot package to the mailing address that is on file with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Registry department.
Citizens do not need to request a package, unless they have not received one after the mail-in ballots have been sent out.
How do I sign up for online voting?
Eligible Métis citizens can sign up for online voting 10 days before the final day of vote. The link to sign up for online voting will be posted to metiselectionsab.com.
When you register for online voting, you will need to fill out a form with some questions to confirm your identity. Once the Chief Electoral Office has confirmed your identity, you will be sent a pin. This can take up to 2 business days. On the last day of voting, this can take up to 2 hours.
Online voting is available for 7 days before the final day of voting, from 8 am – 8 pm.
How and why did a Candidate receive my information?
Under the Elections and Referenda Act, the Chief Electoral Officer must distribute the final list of voters to each Candidate in the election. Section 51 (Use of list of voters) of the Elections and Referenda Act outlines how candidates can use the Voters list. All candidates must sign a declaration stating they will use the list in accordance with the Act.
Candidates running for Citizens’ Representative, and candidates running in District Elections (District Captain or District Councillor) can receive a list of eligible voters within the District they are running.
Candidates running for Provincial-wide positions (President, Provincial Women’s Representative and Provincial Youth Representative) will receive a list of eligible voters from all Districts across the province.
The Voters List includes contact information for citizens.
As the Voter’s List is to be used for specific purposes under the Elections and Referenda Act, acclaimed Candidates do not receive access to the Voters List.
Citizens who wish to be removed from the Voters List will need to reach out to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer at [email protected] or 1-877-576-4250.
How can I find out which Métis District I live in?
The Chief Electoral Office has put together a District Mapping Tool using Google Maps to help citizens determine which district they reside in. Citizens can access the District Mapping Tool by visiting metiselectionsab.com/district_mapping_tool.
Citizens may also reach out to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer at [email protected] or 1-877-576-4250 if further assistance is required to find their District.
Where can I find the list of Candidates running?
The list of candidates will be posted approximately five to seven (5-7) days after the nomination period has ended. The list of Candidates will be posted to metiselectionsab.com.
Where can I find further information about the Candidates?
Candidates are responsible for sharing information with Citizens about their Candidacy e.g., their position on issues. Citizens are encouraged to seek out this information about the Candidates prior to submitting their ballots. Please note that the Chief Electoral Office is not responsible for collecting and providing campaign information.
When should I return my mail-in ballot?
If you intend to vote via mail-in ballot, please return your ballot as soon as possible. Mail-in ballots must be received by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer by 8pm on the last day of voting to be counted.
Voter Assistance
Citizens who are unable to vote by the voting methods provided (in-person polling stations, mail-in ballots, online voting) can contact the Chief Electoral Office for additional voter assistance. Citizens can request this assistance by contacting the Chief Electoral Office at [email protected] or 1-877-576-4250.