Preventing duplicate voting

Our system prevents duplicate voting by tracking all voting methods in real-time. If a person votes online, the system immediately updates, ensuring they cannot cast another ballot again or by any other voting method. We also use secure authentication methods, such as identity confirmation and single-use PINs for online voting.

E.g. If a Nation member votes digitally on their mobile phone while waiting in line at a community voting station, they become instantly ineligible to vote again, regardless of the voting method. Voting event staff would see this in the system and would not be able to issue a physical ballot to someone who has already voted.

What about mail-in ballots?

Similarly, if a voter returns a mail-in ballot but also votes digitally or in-person, our system flags this when the mail-in ballots are processed. The system notes that the voter has already cast their ballot through another method, and the mail-in ballot is marked as void and not counted in the final results.

Voter Fraud

While OneFeather implements robust security measures to protect the integrity of every voting event, it's important for all participants to understand both the value of honest participation and the serious nature of voter fraud in Canada.

Your vote matters

Democratic participation is essential to building healthy, thriving Nations and communities. When every member votes honestly and freely, it strengthens self-governance and ensures leadership that truly reflects the collective voice of a Nation. Each legitimate vote contributes to decisions that shape your community's future for generations to come.

Voter fraud includes:

Voting by gaining access to someone else's OneFeather account
Voting using someone else's identity and personal information
Attempting to vote more than once
Trying to influence or manipulate the voting outcomes of others
Providing false information during voter registration

Legal consequences are severe

Voter fraud is a criminal offence under Canadian law, as well as under Nation-specific voting codes such as the Indian Band Election Regulations (IBER) and First Nations Elections Act (FNEA). Penalties can include:

Fines up to $50,000
Criminal charges and a permanent criminal record
Imprisonment
Loss of voting privileges in future voting events

If you suspect voter fraud or have concerns about voting irregularities, please contact the Electoral/Ratification Officer for the event immediately.