Alberta's new electors register slowed down the voting process. How will it be used?

Political scientists — and now, Calgary’s returning officer — say provincial legislation changes are to blame for long lineups and slow processing times during municipal elections across Alberta on Monday.

One of the changes implemented last fall is that municipalities are now mandated to create and maintain permanent electors registers, or lists of eligible voters.

In Calgary, voters had until Aug. 27 to pre-register for the list. The city said it also received voters’ information from Elections Alberta.

People who weren’t on the list had to fill out a form at the polls with their personal information, including their full name, address, birthday and a signed statement.

That took time, leaving voters wondering what the paperwork is for and how the information will be us ed. Some poll