Bentley Council Approves 2025 Election Logistics, Discusses Regional Caucus Seat
Election Framework Established
Bentley Town Council finalized the administrative framework for the 2025 General Municipal Election during Tuesday’s regular meeting. Council members moved to appoint both a Returning Officer and a Substitute Returning Officer to oversee the legal requirements of the upcoming vote.
The decision sets the stage for the municipal vote this October. By appointing these officials now, the town ensures that nomination papers, candidate registrations, and ballot security will be managed by designated personnel rather than general administrative staff. Council also confirmed the locations for voting stations, though specific building names were not released in the immediate summary.
Voting Accessibility
Council approved provisions for both advance voting and special ballots for the 2025 cycle. The inclusion of special ballots is a specific measure allowing residents who are physically incapacitated or away from the municipality on election day to cast their votes.
This move aims to address historical voter turnout trends by providing a wider window for participation. Residents intending to use special ballots will need to follow a formal application process once the Returning Officer opens the nomination period.
Regional Representation
Mayor Rathjen brought a proposal to the table regarding the Mid-Sized Cities Mayors Caucus. The Mayor is seeking to participate in the group to increase Bentley’s visibility in regional infrastructure and policy discussions.
While Bentley does not meet the traditional population threshold for a "mid-sized city," the discussion centered on the benefits of having a seat at the table where larger neighbors like Lacombe and Red Deer discuss provincial funding and shared services. Council discussed whether the membership would provide a sufficient return on investment regarding the Mayor’s time and any associated travel or membership costs.
Why It Matters
For residents, the election logistics mean the rules of engagement for the 2025 local government are now set. The decision to utilize special ballots ensures that seniors and those with mobility issues are not disenfranchised.
On the regional front, joining the Mayors Caucus could signal a shift in how Bentley handles inter-municipal relations. It moves the town away from isolated decision-making and toward a collaborative model with larger urban centers, which often dictates how provincial grants for roads and water systems are distributed.
Citizen Input and Debate
No residents spoke during the public portion of the meeting, and no formal delegations were scheduled. The discussion regarding the election appointments was routine and passed without opposition.
There was minor deliberation regarding the Mayor’s participation in the Mid-Sized Cities Caucus, specifically concerning the town’s classification. However, the consensus leaned toward the importance of regional advocacy.
Other Business
* Financials: Council reviewed and approved the prepaid cheque listing, covering cheques No. 20250152 to 20250180. These payments cover standard town operating expenses and utility costs.
* Aspen Beach Delay: Council received correspondence regarding a delayed opening for Aspen Beach Provincial Park. The delay is expected to impact local tourism traffic early in the season, though the province did not provide a specific revised opening date in the initial brief.
* County Updates: Highlights from the March 27 Lacombe County Council meeting were accepted as information, focusing on shared boundary road maintenance.
What’s Next
The town will formally advertise the Returning Officer’s contact information and the schedule for candidate nominations in the coming weeks. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for its usual time at the Town Office.