Polling Division Update
Polling Division Update
You’ll know that our next general election, scheduled for October 28, 2024, will be the first conducted using new constituency boundaries. While this is a change for parties, candidates, and voters, it is also a significant change for my office as all our systems, including our Register of Voters, must transition over to new boundaries before the event.
The possibility of by-elections, which must be conducted using “old” constituency boundaries means that the timing of this transition is important. The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007 sets the rules for when by-elections are conducted and states that by-elections must only be held if a seat in the legislative assembly becomes vacant within the first 40 months after a general election. Our last election was held on October 26, 2020, and 40 months after that date is February 26, 2024. This means that after February 26 of this year, by-elections will no longer be required should a seat in the assembly become vacant.
For my team, we will use that February 26 date to begin transitioning systems to new boundaries. This work includes moving all registered voters from the constituencies in which they used to reside to the new constituencies they will be in for our 2024 election. As part of this effort, we are also creating new polling divisions in these new constituencies.
Last week, we sent proposed polling divisions to our returning officers for their review. This process is underway and will continue through the coming weeks with the ROs considering local factors and what changes may be needed. Remember that as part of the modifications to legislation implemented via CEO Directives, polling divisions will be larger than in past elections.
Once the polling division review process is complete and other work related to the transition to new constituency boundaries has been finalized, we will be able to share constituency maps (inclusive of polling divisions) with political parties. All maps will be available electronically and we will also provide you with one hard copy of all maps upon request. I will provide you with more information on when and how this will happen soon.
Key Dates
You will know that this Monday, February 12, is the deadline for registered political parties to file their election expense return for August 2023 by-elections held in Lumsden-Morse, Regina Coronation Park and Regina Walsh Acres. Remember that separate expense returns must be filed for each by-election. If you have questions or issues, I strongly encourage you to contact Aaron Thompson, Director of Finance (aaron.thompson@elections.sk.ca or 306.570.2134) early on Monday morning.
Finally, one more reminder that Tuesday, April 30 is the deadline for registered political parties to file fiscal period returns. Again, if you have questions, I hope that you’ll reach out to Aaron Thompson as we are here to assist you where we can.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan