October 29, 2024. Last night, thousands of election officials hand counted more than 400,000 ballots to complete the First Preliminary Count of Saskatchewan’s 30th General Election. Tomorrow, the next step in the vote-counting process will take place.

The Second Preliminary Count is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30, when Elections Saskatchewan officials will count the 20,417 vote by mail ballots returned by October 26, 2024. This count will be held centrally in Regina.

“While some consider an election over after the results come in on the last day of voting, that’s really never been the case,” says Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan. “There have always been votes that still need to be counted and results that need to be confirmed. That’s where the Second Preliminary Count, and then the third and Final Count, come in.”

Results from the First Preliminary Count are here: https://results.elections.sk.ca/

After the Second Preliminary Count is completed, the next round of counting takes place at the Final Count, which is held by legislation 12 days after the last day of voting. At the Final Count on November 9, all vote by mail ballots received between October 27 and November 7 are counted centrally, along with all hospital and remand centre votes at a central location in Regina. The Final Count is also conducted in returning offices, where returning officers will only be verifying the numbers generated from the First Preliminary Count.

“The Final Count is an important step in the election process. Not only do we finish counting remaining ballots, but we also verify that all results have been entered correctly,” says Dr. Boda. “I know how important it is to voters, candidates, and political parties that we deliver results quickly, but we also need to deliver them accurately, while also following our legislated deadlines.”

Second Preliminary Count Media Briefing & Photo Opportunity

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 30
Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Drive, Regina.
Please use the Shumiatcher Entrance on the southwest corner. Media are invited to attend the Second Preliminary Count for a brief photo and video opportunity. Dr. Boda will be available for interviews.

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 Saskatchewan’s next general election, to be held during Voting Week, October 22 to 28, 2024. 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]