February 3, 2017 – The writ of election for the constituency of Saskatoon Meewasin was issued today by Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan, to Lloyd Howey, Saskatoon Meewasin Returning Officer, for a by-election on March 2, 2017.
This constituency has been vacant since the passing of Roger Parent, MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin, on November 29, 2016. Per Section 46(1) of The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007, a by-election to fill a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly must be held within six months after a seat becomes vacant.
“General elections normally have a few years of notice for a specific date, however by-elections are often unexpected, in particular the unfortunate situation of the passing of an MLA,” says Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan. “Since Mr. Parent’s passing, we have been preparing for an electoral event in Meewasin, beginning with retaining Lloyd Howey as returning officer, a role he held in the April 2016 general election.”
Key dates for this by-election:
Feb. 3 Writ issued
Feb. 14 Candidate nominations close
Feb. 24 to 28 Advance voting days
March 2 By-election day
March 14 Final count
March 25 Return of the writ
Nomination papers for candidates are now being accepted. Nominations close Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
The Saskatoon Meewasin Returning Office can be reached at:
Returning office hours are:
To vote in the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election you must:
Saskatoon Meewasin residents who are now studying outside the province are eligible to vote. Saskatoon Meewasin residents who are active members of the Canadian Forces and their families from Saskatchewan serving outside the province can vote.
Any Saskatoon Meewasin eligible voter who was registered for the April 2016 general election remains on the voters list, and does not need to re-register. Any eligible voter not registered, or in need of updating their own information, can do so until Feb. 22 by visiting www.elections.sk.ca/voterregistration/ or by calling 1-877-958-8683. Any eligible voter can still vote by registering in person during advance voting or on by-election day.
There are many ways to vote in this by-election. Information on these options is on our website at www.elections.sk.ca/waystovote:
You must show ID to vote. A complete list of acceptable ID documents is on our website at www.elections.sk.ca/bringid.
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. Find 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, Communications & Outreach
Elections Saskatchewan
306.537.9211
Tim.kydd@elections.sk.ca