On Election Day
In the event a qualified voter has not had their name included on the Voters’ List, they are still entitled to vote on Election Day by attending the proper polling place based on their residence, and completing a Declaration of Voter. Once the voter completes the declaration, the voter will receive a ballot and be able to vote.
All regular polling places are open for voting from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. C.S.T. on Election Day.
To assist those voters who will not be able to attend their regular polling place on Election Day, or requires assistance in voting, the following opportunities are available to allow them to vote.
Advance Polls
Advance polls are provided to give those voters who suffer from a physical disability, or will be away or unable to vote on Election Day because of work or other reasons, an opportunity to cast their ballot. Depending on the constituency, the Advance Polls will be set up in one or more locations.
A full list of Advance Poll locations are available here.
The Advance Polls will be scheduled for 5 days in the last week prior to Election Day.
They will be open from:
- Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST
- Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST
- Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST
- Friday, November 4th, 2011 from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST
- Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 12 noon - 7 p.m. CST
Persons who vote at an advance poll and are on the Voters’ List will be required to sign a declaration prior to being given a ballot. In addition to making the declaration, voters are required to show satisfactory proof of identity and place of ordinary residence or have another voter whose name is on the Voters’ List vouch for the identity and residence of the voter.
Eligible voters whose names are not on the Voters’ List will still be allowed to vote, providing a declaration is signed along with presenting satisfactory proof of identity and place of ordinary residence. If satisfactory proof of identity cannot be presented, a voter whose name is on the Voters’ List can vouch for the identity and place of ordinary residence of the voter who wishes to cast a ballot.
Absentee Voting
Special provisions have been made for certain categories of voters who are unable to vote either on Election Day, or on any of the Advance Polling days. Voters who fall into this category may apply to the constituency Returning Officer to vote by Absentee Ballot. The Absentee Voter Application Form (E-127A) is available online or by contacting the Returning Officer. The application must be completed and delivered to the Returning Officer no later than 8 days before Election Day.
Provided that the Returning Officer accepts the application, the voter will be provided with a ballot and instructions for its completion and return. Return of the ballot, if mailed, must be postmarked by 8:00 p.m. C.S.T. on Election Day.
Further details are available from the Returning Officer or Elections Saskatchewan.
Other Special Voting Provisions
Special polling places are set up in many personal care facilities throughout Saskatchewan. Residents of the facility are enumerated and vote in the constituency in which the facility is located.
In addition, special polls are established in hospitals, to allow patients to cast a ballot for the candidate or party of their choice in the constituency in which he or she ordinarily reside.
A number of provisions are included to assist those voters with disabilities in exercising their right to vote. Where a disability prevents a voter from entering the polling place, the Deputy Returning Officer will bring a ballot outside to be completed by the voter.
If assistance in marking the ballot is required, the Deputy Returning Officer, or a friend of the voter, may assist the voter. In some instances, an interpreter may be available at the polling place, or a friend can act as interpreter if one is required. Finally, a special template has been prepared for the benefit of those who are visually impaired.