Enumeration Being Reinstated

Enumeration of voters is being reinstated as a tool for use in future provincial general elections and byelections in Nova Scotia.

Bringing back enumeration is part of a new plan to make the entire election process easier for voters, chief electoral officer Christine McCulloch, said today, April 14.

"The enumeration process will include confirmation of voter information from the last provincial election, updated from other available sources, and will involve door to door canvassing," she said. "This is one of many steps required to develop a permanent, made-in-Nova Scotia voters' list that is current and accurate and to help restore voter confidence in our list."

In 2003, the province developed much of its voters' list using information from the federal list.

All three political parties have indicated their support for a return to enumeration.

In its report on the 2003 provincial election, the Nova Scotia Election Commission said that use of a permanent list of electors is critical to an effective electoral process.

Recruitment of enumerators to help develop the new voters' list is already underway, said Ms. McCulloch.

Another component of the plan is a public education and awareness campaign. Information about enumeration and the voting process is being prepared for use by radio, television, newspaper and other media.

"The election process must be easily understood and accessible, so that all voters, including new voters, especially young people and new residents, can exercise their right to vote, which is one of the cornerstones of democracy," said Ms. McCulloch.

Returning officers will also be more involved in maintenance of the province's permanent voters' list. Several new returning officers were appointed recently in areas where there had been vacancies.

"At Elections Nova Scotia, our objective is to improve the electoral process so that the voters' list is as accurate as possible, which will encourage increased participation in elections," said Ms. McCulloch. "If we can do that, we will be better prepared for all future elections."