Behind the Ballot Box: Challenges and Opportunities for Electoral Management Bodies 

With looming election calls across Canadian governments, what are the challenges facing the people tasked with making these elections happen? This was the topic of discussion for a panel curated by Dr. Karen Bird (McMaster) and Dr. Holly Ann Garnett (Royal Military College of Canada / Queens University) for their fourth-year students in McMaster’s Interdisciplinary Minor in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM) and the Undergraduate Partnered Research Programme. Guest speakers from four levels of government across Canada introduced their roles and remit, discussed the unique challenges that their organizations face, and looked to future research that would advance the work that their organizations do.  

Michel Roussel, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of Electoral Events and Innovation, Elections Canada, began the session by discussing the remit of Elections Canada. Roussel outlined the difference between “just-in-time” election planning, in which there is a majority government and preparation for an election can begin around 18 months out from a fixed-date election, and “just-in-case” election planning, often the case in minority governments and which requires constant readiness in case of a snap election call. 

Next, David Grey, Chief Electoral Officer for the Manitoba Métis Federation, introduced the work of the MMF and the ways in which their laws and regulations differ to Canadian elections, including how citizenship is understood and operationalized in the Manitoba Métis Federation. Mr. Grey also highlighted important legal developments regarding Métis voting rights, including the Supreme Court decision in “Corbiere v. Canada” which ensured equal voting rights of non-resident Métis citizens under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Kim Poffenroth, Chief Electoral Officer at Elections New Brunswick, explained how elections offices scale up in the run-up to an election. For example, Poffenroth’s office has a full-time staff of 19 in a non-election cycle, which can grow to 4,000 during an election cycle.  Finally, Poffenroth explained how Elections New Brunswick has pioneered new technologies such as Poll Pads, both increasing accuracy and reducing turnaround time from poll closing to results. 

Finally, Andrea Coyne, Elections Manager, Town of Oakville Elections explained how an election is so much more than just election day, often with a year of work either side of a successful election. Coyne also highlighted instances where circumstances challenged the stability of elections, for example due to legislation change or issues with technology. In these situations, Coyne argued, it is critically important to have clear, transparent processes, both legally but also for public trust. 

All speakers underscored the same core principles of elections management which are to ensure that elections are accurate, transparent, and secure; and that every citizen has an opportunity to participate. Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI and its impact on social media and digital platforms, election managers are also taking steps to address misinformation and disinformation threats to electoral integrity. Speakers underscored the importance of pre-emptive action and being ahead of the curve.  

For example, Elections New Brunswick created informational videos about mis- and disinformation which were posted on traditional and social media in the last election. Some jurisdictions, such as British Columbia, have enacted new laws targeting electoral misinformation and enhancing transparency in political advertising. Federally, there is also proposed legislation to address online misinformation. However, panelists also emphasized that foreign interference is a complex matter and this is just the beginning of the discussion.  

When asked what sort of qualifications or experience is required for an electoral official, panelists agreed that it is less about a student’s formal degree program, and more about disposition. They highlighted the importance of open-mindedness and curiosity, good analytical skills, leadership and project management skills, and political acuity.  

The panelists concluded by reflecting on potential research ideas for the students to take forward. Topics included: the interplay between foreign interference and electoral outcomes; increasing the use of electoral technology, while mitigating risks; how to regulate campaigning in an age of AI; and how to increase engagement in elections, both for candidates and voters. 

The issues outlined by the panelists will only become more pressing in the next few electoral cycles. Students in both classes are working on projects with partners in elections management and democracy, on topics including trust in electronic voting; mitigating electoral disinformation; and enhancing Indigenous representation in municipal assemblies. 

Find out more about:  

• The CIVDEM Interdisciplinary Minor 
• The Undergraduate Partnered Research Program (UPRP)