The province’s Chief Electoral Officer is recommending changes to allow more flexibility to respond to emergency situations that arise during a provincial election similar to recent changes to the Municipal Elections Act. Kimberly Poffenroth’s recommendations are the result of lessons learned during last year’s provincial election – the first election in Canada during the pandemic.
Among the nine recommendations – a review of the existing vote by mail process – a renewed call to end the appointment of Returning Officers by government – and increase the minimum number of days from 28 for the election period of an unscheduled provincial general election.
The special report was presented to the Legislature’s standing committee on procedures – privileges – and legislative officers. Poffenroth is urging “elected officials to give these recommendations the consideration that I believe they warrant, and I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on the recommendations and their importance.”
