Indian Referendum Regulations

18 (1) As soon as is practicable after the mail-in ballots have been deposited under section 17.1, the electoral officer shall, in the presence of the deputy electoral officer and any members of the council of the band who are present, open all ballot boxes and

• (a) examine the ballot papers;

• (a.1) set aside any ballot that does not have the initials of the electoral officer or deputy electoral officer on the back;

• (b) reject all ballot papers

  • (i) [Repealed, SOR/2000-392, s. 12]

  • (ii) that have been marked incorrectly, or

  • (iii) upon which anything appears by which an elector can be identified;

• (c) count the votes given in favour of and against the question submitted in the referendum; and

• (d) prepare a statement in writing of the number of votes so given and of the number of ballot papers rejected.

(2) The statement referred to in paragraph (1)(d) shall be

• (a) signed by the electoral officer and by the chief or a member of the council of the band; and

• (b) filed in the local office of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.