Overlap Paper, New Contribution Search Tool & Other Updates
Municipal – Provincial Election Overlap – CEO Discussion Paper
Earlier this week, I released a CEO Discussion Paper entitled Resolving the Municipal/Provincial Election Timing Problem in Saskatchewan. I have attached a copy for your information.
You will know that in the fall of 2020, provincial and municipal elections were held just two weeks apart. The paper offers strong evidence for why holding these elections close together is not a good arrangement for voters, candidates, registered political parties and those responsible for administering elections. My recommendation to legislators is that the next round of municipal elections be rescheduled to take place in May 2024 and every four years thereafter, with the provincial election occurring, as planned, on October 28, 2024.
While 2024 may seem far off, certainty in election timing is important for all stakeholders in the electoral process and for instilling stability within our democratic system here in Saskatchewan. If you have questions or comments on election timing, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with me.
RPP Fiscal Period Returns
Fiscal period returns for all registered political parties are almost complete and will be posted to our website soon with a status of “As Reviewed.” At that same time, downloadable files listing all contributions will be created and posted.
New Contribution Search Tool
In the days ahead, Elections Saskatchewan will launch a Contribution Search Tool on our website. This searchable database will provide access to political contributions received by registered political parties from the 2016 calendar year onward.
While this information has always been publicly available in candidate and registered political party financial returns, this tool makes searching far easier. This is an important step for transparency in the political process.
Once this tool is available, you will be able to find it under a new “Political finance” link located in the very top row of our website. Should you have questions, contact Jennifer Colin at [email protected].
RPP Impact – EMS Development
You will know that Elections Saskatchewan has been actively working to develop a new Election Management System (EMS) – the behind-the-scenes software that assists us in administering electoral events. One component of the new EMS will be an updated and reworked registered political party management module and candidate nomination process. Our goal will be to streamline wherever possible and make improvements to these processes where possible.
If you are interested in learning more, or in contributing to conversations about system requirements, please contact Jennifer Colin at the email address shown above to schedule a discussion.
Candidate Expense Returns
A few weeks back, I mentioned to you that we were almost ready to post Candidate Expense Returns to our website with a status of “As Reviewed. I simply wanted to let you know that this has happened for all candidate expense returns that we have received.
Pending By-Election – Athabasca
Finally, although you have likely heard already, there is a vacancy in the constituency of Athabasca following the resignation of Buckley Belanger on August 15. A by-election must be held within six months, or before February 15, 2022. I will provide you with more information on the administration of that event as its scheduling becomes clear.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan