Red Deer poll worker cleared of wrongdoing after social media controversy
The City of Red Deer cleared one of its election workers of any wrongdoing after concern arose on social media they were influencing how a person voted.
On Monday, a poll worker commented below candidate Kraymer Barnstable’s Facebook post on the 2021 City of Red Deer Municipal Election Candidate Q & A page saying she was proud to help in the election process.
“I am working the election today and have had the privilege of helping many seniors cast their vote,” the poll worker wrote.
The poll worker added that while some of those seniors “may not be able to read very well” but when you say the “names that are standing for freedom they are very adamant to have that name marked off.”
“Our election team received numerous reports from residents concerned about potential influence on voters from an election worker,” said Michelle Baer, legal and legislative services manager, in a statement.
“We take these concerns seriously and immediately began an investigation into the matter.”
To ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballot, the city said election workers can assist visually impaired voters by reading out information on voting cards.
“In speaking with the election worker, we were able to confirm that in both of the two instances where elector assistance was provided, all appropriate procedures and policies were followed and most importantly, there was no attempt to influence the outcome of electors’ votes,” Baer added.
Municipal staff reviewed all available evidence and held an interview with the election worker in question. On Thursday, the investigation’s findings were released.
“Based on this, there is no evidence of wrongdoing,” Baer said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.