Athabasca By-Election Communique for Chief Official Agents, Issue Six

Nomination Period Closed

Candidate Nomination Closed

At 2 p.m. today, the candidate nomination period for the Athabasca by-election closed. The list of officially nominated candidates is as follows:

  • Clint Arnason, Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan (BPSK)
  • Georgina Jolibois, New Democratic Party (N.D.P.)
  • Jim Lemaigre, Saskatchewan Party
  • Darwin Roy, Independent

I want to ensure that you are aware that, during a by-election, there is no legislative provision for a candidate who resides outside of the constituency to be added to the voters list or to cast a ballot. This differs from a general election where the candidate as well as their spouse and dependents can vote (and be added to the voters list) under Section 16(5) of The Election Act, 1996. That section of the Act is only applicable during a general election and not during by-elections.  

Vote by Mail Reminder

The deadline for voters to apply to vote by mail is end of day on Wednesday, February 2. I’ve mentioned several times to you that I believe Vote by Mail is a good option for every voter in this by-election as it can help to ensure they can cast their ballot even if they are forced to isolate due to COVID-19 or a winter storm makes travel to their voting location impossible. Over the next few days, I hope that you will continue to encourage your supporters and contacts to consider Vote by Mail as an option for this by-election. I very much appreciate your cooperation in this regard.  

Upcoming Deadlines and Key Dates

Just a few quick reminders of upcoming deadlines and key dates:

  • 2 – Deadline for voters to apply for Vote by Mail or as a Homebound voter. Last day for voters to cast their ballot in the returning office as an absentee voter.
  • 4 – Last day for general public to register online or by phone. Any voter can still register at the time of voting;
  • 9 to 13 – Advance Voting from 12 noon to 8 p.m. each day. Please encourage candidate representatives and others who may be busy on by-election day to vote at an advance poll;
  • 15 – By-election Day. Polls open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 21 – Family Day. Returning Office closed.
  • 28 – Final Count
  • 10 – Return of the Writ

Thank you for your attention to these important dates and deadlines.

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.