About the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

• administer open, fair, and impartial elections;
• provide voters with the necessary information and means to participate in the democratic process;
• provide political participants with the necessary information and assistance to comply with election rules;
• provide voters and political participants with a high standard of professionalism, courtesy and customer service;
• provide information and training to election officials to ensure impartial service delivery, compliance with election procedures and the successful conduct of electoral events;
• recommend changes to electoral law to improve administrative practices and depoliticize the conduct of elections;
• embrace partnership opportunities and innovative ideas by adopting best practices and new technologies from the service, business, and election communities; and
• support a positive, respectful, cohesive and self-rewarding work environment where individual aspirations can be achieved.

returning officers are appointed by Order in Council to conduct electoral events.

A significant dedication of time is required to develop the framework for effectively training and equipping the 16,000-plus Albertans who are employed during an election. Click here to read about our mission statement & vision, or to view our organization chart.

Section 3(3) of the Alberta Election Act states: the appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer of Alberta expires 12 months after polling day for a general election unless he is re-appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council prior to that date on the recommendation of the Standing Committee.

Chief Electoral Officer
O. Brian Fjeldheim
Former Chief Electoral Officers
Lorne R. Gibson                     June 2006 - March 2009 O. Brian Fjeldheim                  October  1998 - November 2005 Dermot F. Whelan                  September  1994 - March 1998 Patrick D. Ledgerwood            August 1985 - June 1994 Kenneth A. Wark                   September 1977 - August 1985