The Lac La Ronge Indian Band council still needs to ratify the proposed amendments. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Elections

Online voting could be available to LLRIB members for upcoming band election

Aug 3, 2022 | 1:40 PM

Electronic voting could be available for all eligible band members during the next Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) election in March 2023.

That’s one of several new Election Act changes that band members approved during Treaty Day celebrations last month.

Other amendments which were approved include the creation of a separate three-member Election Appeals Committee, developing a Code of Conduct during elections campaigns, and allowing candidates to be nominated in person or in advance via a form delivered in person, by email or mail.

In addition, candidates cannot have more than $1,000 in debt outstanding to LLRIB entities, businesses, and corporations to which the band is the majority shareholder. There also must be an existing agreement to repay any debt below $1,000.

“The overwhelming vote in support of online voting and other approved changes signify the LLRIB membership’s desire to further enhance the election process,” Gladys Christiansen, chair of the LLRIB election tribunal, said. “Online voting is expected to impact the voter turnout positively in future elections and also help in emergency situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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Of the total 7,973 eligible LLRIB member electors, 1,431 participated in the vote for the amendments to the Election Act. While 63 per cent agreed with the act’s electronic online voting additions, 74 per cent agreed to all other proposed amendments.

In all, 18 per cent of the eligible band membership participated in the vote. The amendments needed 10 per cent of the electorate to cast a ballot to be sent to council for approval.

The LLRIB council will need to ratify the Election Act changes. It’s unknown when the band plans to do so, but it will mark the first major changes to the legislation since it came into force in 2019.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno