News
September 27, 2025
Elections BC says it does screen for citizenship after Rustad calls for ID markers
Elections BC: "It is difficult and exceedingly rare for non-citizens to fraudulently register and vote."
Elections BC has affirmed that it already employs measures to verify citizenship during voter registration, following calls for enhanced identification markers from MLA Michael Rustad. The agency emphasized the rarity of non-citizens attempting to fraudulently register and cast ballots in British Columbia elections.
According to Elections BC, the current registration process includes several safeguards designed to prevent ineligible individuals from participating in the democratic process. While specific details of these measures are not publicly disclosed to avoid compromising their effectiveness, the agency confirmed that citizenship verification is a standard component of the registration review. This process involves cross-referencing information provided by applicants with existing government databases and other relevant records.
The statement from Elections BC comes in response to recent remarks by MLA Michael Rustad, who suggested implementing additional identification markers on voter cards to clearly indicate citizenship status. Rustad argued that such markers would further strengthen the integrity of the electoral system and provide increased transparency.
However, Elections BC maintains that the current system is robust and effective in preventing voter fraud. They stated that instances of non-citizens attempting to register and vote are exceptionally uncommon. The agency further explained that pursuing more stringent measures, such as requiring specific citizenship documentation from all applicants, could create unnecessary barriers to voting for eligible citizens and potentially disenfranchise vulnerable populations.
"Our priority is to ensure that every eligible British Columbian has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote," said a spokesperson for Elections BC. "We believe that the existing system strikes a balance between maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and making it accessible to all eligible voters."
The agency added that they are always open to reviewing and improving their processes to enhance the security and fairness of elections. They will continue to monitor the electoral landscape and adapt their procedures as needed to address emerging challenges and ensure that the democratic process remains secure and accessible for all eligible citizens of British Columbia.
According to Elections BC, the current registration process includes several safeguards designed to prevent ineligible individuals from participating in the democratic process. While specific details of these measures are not publicly disclosed to avoid compromising their effectiveness, the agency confirmed that citizenship verification is a standard component of the registration review. This process involves cross-referencing information provided by applicants with existing government databases and other relevant records.
The statement from Elections BC comes in response to recent remarks by MLA Michael Rustad, who suggested implementing additional identification markers on voter cards to clearly indicate citizenship status. Rustad argued that such markers would further strengthen the integrity of the electoral system and provide increased transparency.
However, Elections BC maintains that the current system is robust and effective in preventing voter fraud. They stated that instances of non-citizens attempting to register and vote are exceptionally uncommon. The agency further explained that pursuing more stringent measures, such as requiring specific citizenship documentation from all applicants, could create unnecessary barriers to voting for eligible citizens and potentially disenfranchise vulnerable populations.
"Our priority is to ensure that every eligible British Columbian has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote," said a spokesperson for Elections BC. "We believe that the existing system strikes a balance between maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and making it accessible to all eligible voters."
The agency added that they are always open to reviewing and improving their processes to enhance the security and fairness of elections. They will continue to monitor the electoral landscape and adapt their procedures as needed to address emerging challenges and ensure that the democratic process remains secure and accessible for all eligible citizens of British Columbia.
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World