By Alex McCuaig

Earlier filing, higher contribution limi

Lots of changes in civic election laws could see a different type of campaigning

Nov 5, 2020 | 5:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There have been plenty of changes to civic election rules made by the UCP government over the past two years with the latest piece of legislation regarding contribution limits to third-party advertisers introduced at the legislature on Wednesday.

But it’s the amendments passed to legislation governing local elections earlier which will likely see the biggest impacts.

The $4,000 total civic election contribution limit for donors has been replaced with a $5,000 limit for each candidate, municipalities can no longer pass bylaws to have candidates reveal their donor lists prior to election day and bans have been placed on corporate and union contributions.

One change that voters will likely notice first is nomination papers can be filed now on Jan. 1 of an election year instead of a month before the set election date in October.

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One possible mayoral candidate says he intends to use some of these changes to his advantage.

Alan Rose says he has a “serious intent” and welcomes the changes to civic election laws.

“More exposure can help you get more money,” said Rose. “You have to get your message out to these people to help raise money. That is going to be helpful some having a longer period.”

But current Mayor Ted Clugston says the upping of donation limits isn’t likely going to change much in a city which rarely sees candidate donations total above $5,000 and much of the time, far closer to none at all.

The changes to nomination filings could result in longer than usual campaigns and might see political contributions increase.

And not necessarily in a way some might anticipate.

“Starting Jan. 2 you see a candidate you don’t like and seems to be gaining popularity but your preferred choice is over here and you might start giving them money in the hopes they get elected and vice versa, of course,” said Clugston. “So yeah, you could actually see a long campaign period with more donations.”

But by in large, Clugston doesn’t expect any of the civic election changes having any major ramifications.

As far as his election intentions, Clugston says he’ll make them known during January’s State of the City address.