Pubdate: Sat, 26 Sep 2015
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2015 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Vjosa Isai
Page: A6

MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OFFERS VOTERS A LEGIT SHOT TO WIN POT

A marijuana dispensary in Vancouver is hosting a contest to encourage
people to vote in this year's federal election, with top prizes of
free pot and Snoop Dogg tickets. To enter, contestants must prove they
cast a ballot on Oct. 19.

"This is a non-partisan initiative," said Danny Kresnyak, who is
leading the Eden Medicinal Society's contest. "We aren't telling
people who to vote for, we're simply telling them to vote. ... Our
registered clientele is well into the five figures, and we think
that's an important demographic."

Eden members participating in the contest are eligible to win a
judges' pass for the 1st Annual Harvest Moon Cup, a cannabis
competition, valued at $400. The winner will also have the opportunity
to sample at least 40 strains of cannabis entered in the
competition.

Non-members will be entered to win a ticket to the sold-out event,
featuring a live performance by Snoop Dogg. The Cup is five days after
the election.

According to Elections Canada, voters do not receive any documents to
prove they cast a ballot, and photographing a ballot is prohibited.

"Obviously, don't take your picture of yourself and the ballot,
because that's ridiculous," Kresnyak said, adding that a photo of the
contestant waiting in line, or an "I voted" sticker, can be used as
proof for the draw.

When asked about the contest, Elections Canada spokesperson Dugald
Maudsley said that the organizers should consult the Elections Act.

"Looking at the Canada Elections Act, any time something tangible is
offered, or the opportunity to win something tangible in exchange for
a vote, there is a danger that there could be a violation under
section 481," Maudsley said.

This section prohibits direct or indirect bribes that "influence an
elector to vote or refrain from voting or to vote or refrain from
voting for a particular candidate."

"What we recognize is that due to the Fair Elections Act, Elections
Canada can no longer advocate the vote amongst the Canadian
population," Kresnyak said. "We believe that it is the essence of
democracy to advocate the vote, so we've taken up that cause."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt