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 participat- ing 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.”