August 2, 2015 – Saskatchewan’s 28th General Election date has, as a result of today’s federal election call, been legally moved to April 4, 2016.
The writs of election have been issued for Canada’s 42nd General Election, which will be held on October 19. The federal election period now overlaps with the previously scheduled election period for Saskatchewan’s 28th General Election, which saw election day occurring on November 2, 2015. The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007 states that in the event of an overlap between a federal and provincial election, the provincial election date moves to the first Monday in April of the following year.
“Elections Saskatchewan was preparing to deliver a general election on November 2 but will now begin transitioning preparations to the April 4 election date,” said Dr. Michael Boda, Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer. “We will be placing increased emphasis on recruitment, retention and training of staff, and ensuring logistical details arranged for a November election are modified to work in April.”
Voters across Saskatchewan will have the opportunity to vote for a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in one of 61 constituencies. This is an increase from the 58 constituencies that existed in 2011 for the 27th General Election.
“The 28th General Election will be the largest electoral event in the history of the province,” Dr. Boda reported. “We anticipate serving over 800,000 eligible voters and employing 10,000 workers on election day.”
This will be the first election after the proclamation of The Election Amendment Act, 2014 last December. The Government of Saskatchewan adopted 11 legislative amendments to modernize Saskatchewan’s electoral process and increase accessibility for voters. These amendments included the introduction of a permanent register of voters, the implementation of homebound voting for disabled voters, the availability of advance voting for all voters and other modifications providing improved service for voters in Saskatchewan.
Information regarding voting places, returning offices, absentee voting and other 28th General Election details will be released after the federal election to avoid any confusion between the national and provincial elections.
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.
For more information contact:
Tim Kydd
Senior Director
Communications & Outreach
Elections Saskatchewan
tim.kydd@elections.sk.ca
(306) 787-7355