By-Election Day Tomorrow
By-Election Day Tomorrow
While I am certain you need no reminder, by-election day is tomorrow, Tuesday, February 15. Our team in Athabasca has worked hard to administer this election a success despite the presence of COVID-19 and the possibility of inclement weather. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the entire constituency.
Should anything unexpected happen tomorrow and I need to formally communicate with you, I will do so through a Communique.
Finally, please remember that we are here to serve you and your candidates tomorrow. If you have issues, questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to be in contact with Aaron Thompson (306.570.2134) or me. We will both be available throughout the day.
Voting Location Change – Patuanak
The voting location in the community of Patuanak has changed (poll 13). Voting will take place in the community’s hamlet hall and not in the Band Hall. While our returning officer will be reaching out to candidates, I would appreciate it if you drew their attention to this change when you forward this message.
Assisted Telephone Voting (ATV) Update
I have told you a number of times of our plans to pilot Assisted Telephone Voting (ATV) during this by-election. I am very excited about this voting opportunity as it may be an effective method to be in used in future events.
This is a short reminder that ATV will be available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on by-election day (the same hours that regular voting takes place). If you would like to observe portions of this process, please reach out to my assistant Sarah Wright at oceo.admin@elections.sk.ca and she will make arrangements for you to attend.
Second Preliminary Count Information
Consistent with the processes following during the last general election, we are once again planning to hold a Second Preliminary Count of Vote by Mail ballots. This Count will take place two days after election day, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 17 at our Elections Saskatchewan head office in Regina.
In our general election, we held, for the first time, a Second Preliminary Count, to provide greater certainty to candidates and registered political parties as to the results of the election. In this event, we have a smaller number of Vote by Mail ballots, but I intend to hold this Second Preliminary Count so that we can continue to refine our internal processes. By-elections remain the very best learning opportunity for an election management body. I will be in touch on Wednesday, February 16 with more details on the Second Preliminary Count.
Second Preliminary Count – Candidate Representatives
Candidate representatives will, of course, be able to view the Second Preliminary Count. Our plans will balance your right to observe this process with mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19. Every candidate in this by-election will be able to appoint one candidate representative to observe the Second Preliminary Count (or, of course, the candidate could serve in this role themselves).
On Wednesday, February 16, I will be in contact with you through a Communique to provide information on how to have candidate representatives attend the counting of these ballots.
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan
All information related to the Athabasca by-election can be found online at www.elections.sk.ca/athabasca.