(file photo/paNOW)

By Alison Sandstrom

Municipal Election

Council considers non-refundable election fees

Apr 16, 2020 | 12:07 PM

It might only be $100, but for some, it’s the principle of the accessibility of democracy that’s at stake.

As Prince Albert prepares for the Nov. 9 election, city administration is recommending the $100 deposit required to run for municipal office be non-refundable, except for candidates who are elected.

In the past, the $100 was returned to everyone, as long as they did not violate the Elections Act. City administration is proposing the change to encourage political contenders to take the process seriously.

“This allows the Returning Officer to follow a clear guideline of who will receive their deposit back,” city staff explained in a report. “While encouraging all candidates to work hard at achieving an elected position.”

That doesn’t sit well with Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky.

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“You don’t have to crucify people,” he told paNOW. “If you’re one of the four or five of the losers you get sweet nothing. It’s an undemocratic step, it’s a backwards step.”

Coun. Terra Lennox-Zepp shares her concerns.

“Some people don’t have an extra $100 just out of pocket, in addition to as we all know, all the added expenses that happen when you’re running,” she said during the meeting on April 6.

“I want to make sure that people of all socio-economic classes in our city can feel comfortable in being able to put their name forward and run.”

Prince Albert city council is set to approve the elections bylaw, including making $100 largely non-refundable at the next meeting on April 27.

The municipal election is set for Nov. 9.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom