Overview

• Bill 54 proposes hand-counted ballots, bans electronic tabulators, eliminates vouching, and requires unofficial vote counts within 12 hours to enhance election transparency.
• The legislation lowers the signature threshold for citizen-initiated referendums from 20% to 10% of eligible voters and extends the petition period to 120 days.
• Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that the bill would have been introduced regardless of the federal election outcome, but its timing highlights Alberta's pushback against federal policies.
• The bill also amends the Recall Act, making it easier to hold elected officials accountable by reducing signature requirements and extending collection timeframes.
• Additional provisions expand voting access for Indigenous communities, allow corporate and union contributions with transparency measures, and improve emergency voting protocols.