Alberta government changing election rules to account for displaced Jasper residents

JASPER, ALTA. — The Alberta government says it will be amending election rules to ensure displaced residents of Jasper will still be allowed to vote and run in the upcoming municipal election.

A devastating wildfire last summer uprooted more than 600 families as more than 350 homes, apartments, and businesses were destroyed.

With a municipal election scheduled for the fall, the province says it’s looking to ensure residents not living in Jasper as the rebuild continues can still vote and run for office.

Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver says those looking to vote will have had to have been eligible to vote immediately before the fire and plan on returning to Jasper at some point.

He says it’s critical that local democracy has strong participation, especially after a disaster like the fire last summer.

Alberta’s next municipal elections are set for Oct. 20.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2025.

The Canadian Press