Ballot box tampering at Poundmaker

RCMP say charges are pending after a ballot box was tampered with during a band by-election on the Poundmaker Cree Nation. Cut Knife RCMP received a complaint that two men had entered the building where voting was taking place on Sept. 30, took the ballot boxes outside, and threw them into a fire. One 34-year-old male from Poundmaker First Nation was arrested by police shortly after the incident. He was released but charges are pending. Police were also seeking at 35-year-old male from Poundmaker First Nation in relation to this incident. CBC News says it’s unclear what the consequences are for tampering with votes in an election on a First Nation. According to Elections Canada, hampering or delaying the electoral process in a federal election is an offence punishable by a fine, prison time or both.