The Government of Saskatchewan has given the chief electoral officer the power to take any necessary action to ensure that the provincial election on Oct. 26 happens safely, according to a news release.
Changes to The Election Act Regulations define a public health emergency, such as the ongoing pandemic, as an emergency and give the chief electoral officer authority to adapt the Act in order to reduce the health risk to the community.
“We are all having to adapt to a ‘new normal’ of carrying on with our lives, but doing so in a way that reduces the spread of COVID-19,” Premier Scott Moe said, in a press release. “The fall provincial election will go ahead as planned, but it might look a little different. The Chief Electoral Officer wanted to make sure that he had the authority to make any changes to the voting process he feels are necessary to ensure a safe and successful election, so the government is strengthening his emergency powers to ensure he has that authority.”
Voters headed to the polls this fall can expect to see physical distancing measures in place, continue Moe, much like those being used by grocery stores and other retail spaces.
The provincial government has also delayed this year’s resort village elections from July 25 to Aug. 29.
