Calgary Mayoral candidate Sonya Sharp is seeking a ballot recount following the recent municipal election held on October 20. Sharp, representing the Communities First party, lost to independent candidate Jeromy Farkas by a mere 585 votes, marking a close margin of just 0.16 percent.
Request for Recount
In a statement released to the media, Sharp emphasized the significance of the narrow margin. She stated, “Given the margin of victory for Mr. Farkas is only 585 votes, I believe it is appropriate to request the Chief Returning Officer undertake a recount of the ballots to ensure the accuracy of the election outcome.”
Sharp highlighted challenges faced by voters on election day, including extensive wait times and new procedures mandated by provincial legislation. These changes required ballots to be hand-counted well into the early morning hours after the election.
Ensuring Election Integrity
While acknowledging the dedication of election workers, Sharp expressed concerns about potential errors during stressful voting conditions. “Given the razor-thin margin of victory in this election, it makes ample sense to review and double-check that appropriate processes were followed, and the count is accurate,” she noted.
Recount Procedures
Elections Calgary outlines several circumstances under which a recount may be requested:
- A candidate or their official agent can apply for a recount if there are reasonable grounds suggesting that the result may be inaccurate.
- A request for a recount must be made within 44 hours of the close of voting.
- If the margin of victory at a voting station is within half of one percentage point, a recount can be requested within 72 hours of the official results announcement.
Additionally, a judicial recount can be requested anytime within 19 days of the election, provided an elector files an affidavit alleging improper counting or rejection of ballots. This requires a $300 deposit and oversight from the government of Alberta.
Next Steps for Sonya Sharp
As Sharp pursues her request for a ballot recount, the outcome will play a crucial role in determining the future of leadership in Calgary. The focus remains on ensuring each vote is accurately counted and that the integrity of the election process is upheld.
