How to decline your ballot in Alberta provincial elections

Voters are able to decline their ballot in Alberta provincial elections.

Declining to vote
If a person returns the person’s ballot indicating that the person does not wish to mark the ballot, the election officer who issued the ballot to the voter under section 100.7 shall immediately write the word “declined” on the ballot and place it in the required envelope to be sent to the returning officer.

(2) A person who returns a ballot under subsection (1)

(a) forfeits the right to vote in the election, and
(b) shall forthwith leave the voting place.

Section 107.1(1) of the Election Act

This is like provincial elections in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where voters have the option to decline their ballot by handing it back to the election official or writing “declined” on it. This option is not available in Canada’s federal elections.

Why decline your ballot?

Declined ballots are counted, unlike staying home and not voting, spoiling your ballot, or submitting a blank ballot which do not count.

A voter might choose to decline their ballot when they feel that none of the options available on the ballot represent their views or if they disagree with the candidates or process presented. It is a way for engaged citizens who are willing, able and ready to vote to show their dissatisfaction with the choices available to them. ie. “I care enough to take the time to vote, but reject the options presented to me, please provide alternatives.”

Our Action Playbook has other ways to raise your concerns and impact the political decision-making processes.