News release

Elections Act Amended

Justice

The rules governing elections in Nova Scotia are changing.
Amendments to the Elections Act were introduced today by Justice Minister Michael Baker.

"These changes are long overdue," said Mr. Baker. "It’s time the rules that govern elections reflect the fact that we are in the 21st century and are in keeping with the practices of other jurisdictions, including the federal process."

The voters'' list can now be created through the sharing of electors'' lists and confirmation of existing data, rather than solely through enumeration. Revisions to the list will be permitted over a three-week period. The process for the revisions on polling day will be standardized and will allow all qualified voters to be added to the list on election day.

Proxy voting will be replaced with votes by mail. Voting by write-in ballot will be possible within five days after the election call and up to six days before election day. The total hours for advance polls will be increased to 20 from 16. Those voting in advance polls will not be required to sign a declaration.

In order to decrease costs, elections can now be conducted in 30 days instead of 36. This will ensure Nova Scotia is consistent with most other provincial jurisdictions in Canada.

All qualified Nova Scotians will be permitted to vote with the exception of federally sentenced inmates. British subjects will be permitted to vote for one more election cycle, so that they may have time to obtain Canadian citizenship.

Polling stations will be required to have level access, and mobile polls will be introduced in long-term care facilities. Those who are ill or who have disabilities may also appoint an agent to pick up and return their write-in ballot applications.
Those helping voters to cast a ballot will be able to do so for only one unrelated person.

Candidates will now have access to locked apartment buildings and condominium complexes to campaign, and tenants will be able to post signs in windows if they so choose.

The Chief Electoral Officer will be given the power to investigate complaints and, if appropriate, refer them to police. With the agreement of recognized parties, the Chief Electoral Officer may try alternate voting methods in by-elections.
Returning officers will be appointed for fixed terms.

Registration requirements for political parties and electoral district associations will be streamlined, with stricter rules for the creation of a new party.

The official addition of the votes will now take place two days after the election, which will shorten the application time for a judicial recount and lessen the time when representation for an electoral district may be in question. In the event of a tie- vote, a lot will be drawn immediately after the judicial recount in the presence of the judge and the candidates’ representatives.

"Many of the changes we’re putting forward are based on the recommendations of the Nova Scotia Election Commission," said Mr. Baker. "We’re making the process easier, more accessible and because we will be more consistent with the federal election rules, less confusing for Nova Scotians."