We are now one week into the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election. While our team has been busily preparing in the constituency for some time now, I was in Saskatoon earlier this week and had an opportunity to visit the constituency and our returning office. I am pleased with our preparations for the by-election so far and want you to know that our team in Saskatoon Meewasin and at our Head Office are committed to serving you as stakeholders throughout the writ period. Here are a few items that will be of interest to you.
Election Proclamation
In this day of instant communication via smart phones and social media, the idea of an election proclamation being used to inform the public of an electoral event may seem antiquated but it remains an important, legislated component of the process. It also shows a great deal of information related to an election in one place – polling locations, dates and times, etc.
With that in mind, I have attached the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election proclamation to this communique. The proclamation is also online at https://www.elections.sk.ca/voters/meewasin-by-election/.
Polling Locations
It is difficult enough to finalize polling location during events in which there is a “set” election date. “Unplanned” events prove even more difficult. Polling locations were finalized earlier this week. If you would like to receive a listing of these locations in an Excel spreadsheet, please email Jennifer Colin, Deputy CEO, at Jennifer.Colin@elections.sk.ca.
Any changes to polling locations from what is shown on the proclamation (and the Excel spreadsheet should you choose to receive it) will be communicated to you via a communique and updated on our website.
Nomination Deadline – Reminder
Just a short reminder that the deadline for the Returning Officer to accept nominations is 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14. As per legislation, there are no extensions granted for this deadline.
Update to Register of Political Parties – Reminder
One more short reminder – please ensure that you update or confirm the information contained in the register of political parties by the Monday, February 13 deadline. You can email these statements to Jennifer Colin. You do not need to provide the hard copy.
Barring something unexpected happening before then, I will be in touch next Tuesday, February 14 once the nomination period has closed. Until then, all the best in your campaign activities.
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan