Nominated Period Closed
Candidate Nomination Closed
At 2 p.m. yesterday, the candidate nomination period closed for the Regina Northeast by-election. The list of officially nominated candidates and their registered political party are as follows:
I want to draw your attention to the fact that, during a by-election, there is no legislative provision for a candidate who resides outside of the constituency to be added to the voters list or to cast a ballot. This differs from a general election where the candidate as well as their spouse and dependents are able to vote (and be added to the voters list) under Section 16(5) of The Election Act, 1996. That section of the Act is only applicable during a general election.
Section 7 – Advance Polling Location
Section 129 of The Election Act, 1996 (the Act) reads “The returning officer shall establish an advance polling place or advance polling places at those places in the constituency the returning officer considers most convenient for the voters.”
While significant preparation went into identifying advance polling locations in the Regina Northeast constituency, we were not able to find an available, convenient, accessible, and economical location within the constituency to serve as an advance poll in the Glencairn part of Regina once the by-election was called. For this reason, we chose to use the Glen Elm Public Library (1601 Dewdney Avenue East, Regina), which is across the street from the constituency boundary line. I authorized the use of this location in accordance with section 7 of the Act.
Please accept this as formal notice, under Section 7(3)(a) of the Act. As per section 7(3)(b), I will inform the candidates in the by-election, but please share this communique with them as well. I will provide more information, including details on our efforts to find an in-constituency advance polling location and the challenges caused by this search, in a formal report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly within 60 days of polling day for the by-election.
Reminder – Constituency Boundaries
Please remind your candidates and all of their representatives to ensure they are campaigning within the boundaries of the Regina Northeast constituency. During recent by-elections we have had issues with individuals from outside the constituency being contacted and asked to vote – this causes confusion and frustration for the voter and unnecessary delay at the polls.
Information for Candidates & Candidate Representatives
With candidates officially nominated, I wanted to pass along a document my office has created that I hope you will distribute to your candidates and their teams. Attached is a one-page flysheet outlining some of the “cans and cannots” for candidates and candidate representatives. I have also attached the E-418 “Guidelines for Candidate Representatives,” a longer document which contains more detail on what is and is not allowed.
As with previous by-elections, I will offer more detailed information on the role of candidate representatives closer to the start of advance voting.
Labour Day Holiday
Just a reminder that the Returning Office will be closed on Labour Day, Monday, September 3. If you require immediate assistance on that day, all of you will have contact information for both myself and for Jennifer Colin.
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan