The Stories Behind New Elections Nova Scotia Website

One person describes the freedom of being allowed to vote as a "momentous experience." Another became active in school politics because his grandfather used to tell him about the importance of the right to vote. And then there is a 10-year-old who can't wait for his first trip to the polls.

These are just three of the people whose experiences are being highlighted as part of a new Elections Nova Scotia website with the theme: There is a story behind every vote.

"Elections are all about people," said Christine McCulloch, Nova Scotia's chief electoral officer. "They are about the people who choose to make a difference by coming out to vote, by running for public office, and by getting involved in the election process. We wanted this new website to recognize them all, and, just as importantly, be useful to them all."

The website -- www.electionsnovascotia.ns.ca -- is also a single source of information for elections and byelections in Nova Scotia.

Voters can use an electoral district finder on the site to find their returning officer, local returning office, electoral district, candidates, and the many different ways of voting. When elections are called, voters can also find details about how, where, and when to vote.

"Candidates can now access all the information they need right online," said Ms. McCulloch. "Applications, forms, acts and legislation are all there ready to be downloaded."

Residents of Halifax Citadel, who go to the polls for a byelection on June 27, may find the site especially helpful right now. But other Nova Scotians can also find valuable information, like reports published by the chief electoral officer, links to the registered political parties, MLAs, municipalities, and other electoral jurisdictions.

"We wanted to create a site that would give people quick and easy access to all the information they wanted, in a way that was friendly and functional," said Ms. McCulloch. "We designed it with voters, candidates, election officials, and young voters in mind."

And more changes are planned for future phases. The office hopes to include a system that allows people to register to vote online and to find exactly where their polling stations are located. Future phases will also include development of an education tool kit for teachers and interactive, educational games for children.