The City of Medicine Hat has hired a chief electoral officer. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat hires chief electoral officer for 2025 municipal election

Aug 23, 2024 | 10:29 AM

The City of Medicine Hat on Friday revealed it hired a chief electoral officer who will plan for and administer the October 2025 municipal election, a new role a spokesperson says was made necessary due to an increased workload in the city clerk’s office.

Andres Cardona Arias, the incoming hire, will be charged with ensuring that election rules are followed, as well as voter education, voter outreach and election monitoring.

He will also be responsible for recruiting and training staff to facilitate election day, and more, according to a city news release.

The hire has little precedent in Medicine Hat. In the past, the city clerk was charged with administrating elections.

A city spokesperson said the new role is due to an ongoing increase in workload in the city clerk’s office.

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“By dedicating an experienced individual with expertise to this important event, residents of Medicine Hat can be confident in the integrity of the election,” the spokesperson said.

“The shift is entirely manageable within the existing budget.”

City manager Ann Mitchell said Cardona Arias will be a good fit in the position.

““He brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the role and will be instrumental in ensuring our next election is facilitated effectively and fairly,” Mitchell said in a statement.

Cardona Arias has relocated to Medicine Hat and will formally start in the role on Sept. 3. His contract expected to be in place until the end of December 2025.

The chief elections officer will start in his role the same day as former Cypress County CAO Tarolyn Aaserud formally begins as the new city clerk.