29th Electoral Cycle Communique for Chief Official Agents, Issue Fifty-One

Election Day Tomorrow

Election Day Tomorrow

Before moving into information for your teams, I wanted to briefly thank you and your parties for your cooperation and engagement to date. We have had historic turnout for both Vote by Mail and Advance Voting. I do not know what this means for turnout tomorrow but I do know that we will provide voters with a safe opportunity to cast their ballots.

Should I need to contact you tomorrow about an issue, it will be done formally through a Communique. I appreciate your cooperation and I wish you the best of luck on election day.

Counting of Votes – Advance & PCF Polls

Last week, I told you that we would let you know if there were to be any exceptions to our planned approach of counting advance poll ballots at the same location that held the advance poll and of counting personal care facility ballots at the returning office.

Attached is a spreadsheet listing all exceptions to the above approaches. Our returning officers have contacted candidates directly, but I would encourage you to send this information to your candidates as well.  

Second Preliminary Count – Additional Logistical Details     

Our team has been working today to confirm additional details related to the Second Preliminary Count that will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28. Just a few additional points:

  • The breakfast / lunch restaurant in the back of the lobby (first floor) will be reserved for candidate representatives. Each political party will have a designated spot during each day of counting and this space can be used for eating, meeting, breaks, etc. Tables in this space are arranged with COVID-19 precautions in mind.
  • The hotel will allow outside food deliveries (other restaurants, Skip the Dishes, etc.) into the restaurant.
  • The hotel snack bar in the lobby which has sandwiches, salads, baked goods, coffee, etc. will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Cornwall Centre food court is also open.
  • Food cannot be taken into the counting halls but beverages are allowed.
  • Breaks, will, for the most part will follow the progress of the ballot box being counted. The counting of ballots will not stop if a candidate representative leaves the room for a different reason.

I trust that you will find this information useful. If you have problems or a concern tomorrow, do not hesitate to be in contact with me or Jennifer Colin. Again, all the best on election day.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan