Absentee Ballot Requests - Calgary Municipal Elections
In Calgary, Alberta, electors who cannot attend their assigned polling place on election day can request an absentee or special ballot. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, common deadlines and what to expect from Election Services so you can vote securely from home, long-term care or while travelling.
Who can request an absentee ballot
Absentee ballots (often called "special ballots") are intended for voters who will be unable to vote in person on election day or at advance voting locations. Typical eligible reasons include illness, disability, temporary absence from the city, or residence in a care facility. Check with Election Services for any election-specific eligibility rules and required proof.
Applying for an absentee ballot
Applications are usually made to the City of Calgary Election Services (the returning officer or their designate). The city provides an application form and instructions for submitting it; some elections allow online or mail applications, while others require in-person or written requests. Deadlines vary by election.
Applications & Forms
- Special ballot application: name varies by election; request the official form from Election Services.
- Deadline: varies by election—confirm the cut-off for returning completed ballots.
- Submission: often by mail, courier, or in person to the returning officer; some elections permit secure online requests.
- Fees: typically no fee, but check the official election materials for the specific election.
Receiving and returning your ballot
Once approved, Election Services will provide instructions for receiving, completing and returning the special ballot. Ballots may be mailed to a voter, delivered by an agent, or completed at a supervised location depending on local procedures. Follow the return instructions exactly to ensure your vote is accepted.
Penalties & Enforcement
Legal offences related to voting, false declarations, voting more than once, or interfering with ballots are governed by the provincial Local Authorities Election Act and enforced through the returning officer and provincial prosecution where applicable.[1]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: may include criminal prosecution, orders to invalidate ballots or court actions; specifics depend on the offence and applicable legislation.
- Enforcer and complaints: Returning Officer / Election Services handle local compliance; provincial authorities may prosecute serious offences.
- Appeal/review routes and time limits: set out in provincial election law; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Voting more than once (attempting multiple ballots).
- Submitting forged or falsified application information.
- Interfering with delivery, return or custody of ballots.
Action steps
- Confirm eligibility and obtain the official special ballot application from Election Services.
- Complete the application fully and attach any required identification or declarations.
- Submit the application by the method specified (mail, courier, in person, or online) before the stated deadline.
- Follow return instructions to ensure your ballot arrives by the deadline.
FAQ
- Who can request an absentee ballot?
- Voters who cannot attend polling stations on election day or at advance voting due to illness, disability, travel or residence in a care facility; check Election Services for election-specific rules.
- Is there a fee to request an absentee ballot?
- Fees are generally not charged for ballots, but confirm with the official election materials for the specific election.
- What if my ballot is lost in the mail?
- Report immediately to Election Services; they will advise on replacement procedures if available before the election close.
- How long does processing take?
- Processing times vary; apply early to allow for delivery and return time.
How-To
- Check your eligibility and note the election’s special ballot deadlines.
- Request the official special ballot application from Election Services and complete it accurately.
- Submit the application following the specified method (mail, courier, in person or online) before the cut-off.
- Receive, complete and sign the ballot as instructed, then return it using the accepted return method so it arrives by the deadline.
- If you encounter problems or suspect interference, contact Election Services to report and seek guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Apply early: processing and postal time affect whether your vote counts.
- Use only official election forms and follow return instructions exactly.
- Report lost ballots or suspected offences immediately to Election Services.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Calgary - Election Services
- Official special ballot application and instructions (contact Election Services)
- Local Authorities Election Act (provincial law)