MAA members may miss the vote

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Many members of the Metis Association of Alberta (MAA) may not be permitted to vote in the upcoming elections scheduled for September 1 if membership lists are not submitted to the electoral office in Edmonton in the next two weeks.

"We have given the locals until August 10 to submit their lists otherwise there won't be a polling station set up in their local," says Chief Electoral Officer John Sinclair.

Sinclair explains that each local within each of the six zones will be allocated its own polling station and ballot box once the lists are turned in. Only registered members of that particular local will be permitted to use that polling station.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure all eligible voters are on the voting list, but I want to appeal to the locals to make sure they send us the lists," urges Sinclair, "or people may not be allowed to vote."

Sinclair estimates that between "50 to 60 per cent" of the lists have been received by his Edmonton office.

Nominations for the executive positions of president, six vice-presidents, and six directors close July 31, however, again Sinclair reports that the response has been poor.

"We have received only one nomination and that is for a director's position. I cannot release that name until I check out the credentials," he added.

Sinclair points out that nomination papers must be submitted with ten signatures from registered local and zone members and that these credentials must be thoroughly checked by electoral staff prior to announcement of the candidates August 1.

Several incumbents have publicly expressed interest in the positions, including President Sam Sinclair, who announced in March that he would not seek another term of office.

"I haven't made up my mind yet," said Sinclair, adding that he still has another week before the close of nominations. "I am going to check my health with my doctor and then announce my position," added the 60-year old president.

Other potential candidates include Zone 4 Vice-President Ben Courtrille and Director Ron LaRocque who are expected to run for another term of office along with former Vice-President Jo-Anne Daniels who ran unsuccessfully against Sinclair in the 1985 election.

John Sinclair points out that the executive positions have increased terms. Previously zone directors' positions were for one year terms and the president and vice-presidents' were for two year terms. However, each of the executive positions will be for three year terms.

"The election will take place September 1 and the results will be announced September 8," said Sinclair, who added that returning officers, deputy returning officers and scrutineers will be hired to ensure the security of the ballot boxes.

"We will be doing everything possible to ensure a fair and democratic election," he adds.