May 13, 2020 – The Chief Electoral Officer announced today that the Government of Saskatchewan has approved changes to The Election Act Regulations that clarify the CEO’s authority to adapt election processes in light of challenges introduced by the presence of the novel coronavirus disease in the province.
“The challenges COVID-19 poses to our election processes are unlike anything I have seen in more than two decades as an election administrator,” said Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan. “From an operational standpoint, it is my view that Elections Saskatchewan can now proceed with planning for a safe general election on October 26, 2020.”
The changes made to regulation clarify the definition of an emergency within The Election Act, 1996 and provide the Chief Electoral Officer with clear authority to adapt legislative provisions to ensure the health and safety of voters, political stakeholders and election officials.
“This was an important first step in getting ready for October 26,” said Dr. Boda. “I look forward to continuing to engage with the Legislative Assembly and the Government of Saskatchewan as we move forward with our planning under circumstances that can change often.”
Elections Saskatchewan (ESK) is the province’s nonpartisan election management body and an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. ESK directs and supervises the administration of provincial electoral events, including the 2020 provincial election.
Information for voters, workers, media, candidates and parties at www.elections.sk.ca.
For more information contact:
Tim Kydd
Senior Director, Outreach & Communications
Elections Saskatchewan
306.537.9211
[email protected]