Stopping Identity Fraud at the Polls

January 01, 2007

The Conservative government has just introduced Bill C-31 to the House of Commons. This bill will improve the integrity of the Canadian electoral process by preventing identity fraud and by improving voting procedures.

Currently there is no automatic requirement to show identification to vote, which opens up the process to fraud or errors. This is an issue which has been raised with me many times by constituents who feel that photo identification should be required in order to prevent potential fraud. Our government has responded directly to these concerns.

Under the new rules, federal election voters will be required to provide one piece of government-issued identification with a photograph and residential address. If they do not have photo identification, they will be required to provide two pieces of acceptable identification to establish her or his identity and residence.

In order to improve voting procedures, the first major priority is the accuracy of the National Register of Electors. Allowing the use of income tax returns to inform Elections Canada of the names, addresses and dates of birth of current and deceased electors is an efficient way to ensure the accuracy of the list. This means allowing tax filers to state their Canadian citizenship status on their income tax returns.

Another aim is to improve communication between election officials, candidates, political parties, and citizens. The bill will extend to political candidates the right to access gated communities and public common areas for the purpose of campaigning and improving access by parties and candidates to updates lists of electors which they can then use to communicate with electors and “get-out-the-vote.”

Other improvements include: enhancing the accessibility of advance polls; removing the time limitation under which voters with a disability may request a transfer certificate to a polling station with level access; and extending the window of time in which the Chief Electoral Office may use her or his power to adapt to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances to 30 days beyond the election period.

Overall, this bill strikes a reasonable balance between facilitating the right to vote of qualified voters and preventing the potential for fraud or errors on voting day. It is also in line with the Government’s broader approach to democratic reform, which is based on making practical and achievable improvements in how we elect our representatives.

If you have any questions or comments for me, please do not hesitate to contact my office at www.jamesrajotte.com.