Government Introduces Changes to Elections Act

The province is introducing amendments to the Elections Act to help protect electors' information and provide closure around held assets of a political party.

Justice Minister Ross Landry introduced the amendments today, Nov. 28, and said changes around collecting voter age information strike a balance between the need to increase voter turnout and the need to protect personal information.

The province will no longer require voters' date of birth be disclosed to recognized political parties and sitting MLAs. Instead, the chief electoral officer will disclose the age range of an elector, for example 18-24, 25-34, 35-44.

"The province listened and is making changes based on input from privacy officials," said Mr. Landry. "Our goal is to increase voter turnout in upcoming elections and better protect the privacy of voters."

The change is supported by Dulcie McCallum, the province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer.

"I am pleased that government has introduced this amendment to correct a privacy concern raised by my office," said Ms. McCallum. "This change –- to put each elector into an age category or cohort -- does not constitute collection and sharing of personal information.

"This amendment affords Nova Scotians with better privacy protection while at the same time addressing what is a laudable goal -- to improve voter participation."

The amendments also require political parties with held assets prior to July 11, 1991 to divest themselves of these funds by March 31, 2012. If funds are not divested by this date, they become the property of the Crown.