REGINA, March 30, 2016 – Many voters participated in the first day of advance voting across Saskatchewan yesterday.

In total, 171 of the 173 advance voting locations around Saskatchewan opened on time yesterday, with the remaining two locations opening by 3:15 p.m. Advance voting turnout numbers will be posted daily by 1 p.m. on the Elections Saskatchewan website at www.elections.sk.ca/election-results.

“Advance polls are open for 35 hours this week, and we had expected some voters to be anxious to cast their ballot and show up to vote the minute the doors opened at 3:00 on the first day,” says Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan. “We had planned for an increased advance poll turnout as this is the first provincial election where advance voting is open to everyone—not just voters who won’t be in their home constituency on election day.”

“We know of some advance voting places that experienced lineups as advancing voting began, primarily in urban constituencies and during the 3:00 to 5:00 periods yesterday. We immediately deployed 24 additional election worker teams waiting on call to meet the initial demand at locations needing assistance. Today and through this week, we will continue to be flexible and increase our teams as needed, and where needed.”

“For voters with the flexibility in their days, we encourage them to considering coming later in the day to vote, avoiding the first-hour rush from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.”

Voters are reminded to come prepared to vote with their ID and their voter information card, if they received one.

A complete list of all advance polls in 173 locations around Saskatchewan can be found at www.elections.sk.ca/media/key-election-dates. Advance voting runs for five days: 

  • March 29 to April 1, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • April 2, Noon to 7 p.m.

 

To vote in the April 4 provincial election you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen;
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Have lived in Saskatchewan for at least the six months before the day the election is called.
     

Elections Saskatchewan is the province’s independent, impartial, professional election management body. Given a mandate from the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, it organizes, manages and oversees provincial electoral events, including the April 4, 2016 general election. Information for voters, workers, media, candidates and parties at www.elections.sk.ca.

      

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For more information contact:

 

Tim Kydd
Senior Director, Outreach & Policy
Elections Saskatchewan
306.537.9211
Tim.kydd@elections.sk.ca