Elections NS promotes safe-voting options with campaign expected to start soon
The agency responsible for elections in Nova Scotia says voters will be encouraged to vote early and mail in ballots for the next provincial election, but full COVID-19 protocols will be in place for those who do go to the polls in person.
At a media briefing in Dartmouth on Tuesday, Elections Nova Scotia officials outlined available voting options for the province's 41st general election.
"We have been very prudent in our planning to ensure we have the infection control precautions and protocols in place," said Naomi Shelton, Elections Nova Scotia's policy and communications director.
Along with physical distancing, shields, masks and hand sanitizer, election workers will get COVID-19 training, extra cleaners will be hired, and voting stations will be disinfected along with frequently touched areas.
Elections Nova Scotia says the extra COVID-19 supplies will add about $1 million to the overall election cost.
Liberal Premier Iain Rankin hasn't officially called the election yet, but a flurry of spending announcements in recent weeks have sparked widespread speculation it will happen soon.
Nova Scotia's Chief Electoral Officer Richard Temporale told reporters he had no inside information on when the campaign will formally start.
"Other than to say I am certain it will be announced sometime between today and May of 2022," he said.
Rankin was in Cherry Brook on Tuesday, announcing nearly $5 million for a community led justice institute to support African Nova Scotians.
He said his party was actively seeking more black candidates for the upcoming race.
"It's incredibly important that we have a better reflection of our population," said Rankin.
"We only have one African Nova Scotian in the legislature, and that's unacceptable."
PC Leader Tim Houston hosted his own event in Halifax Tuesday, promising a tax rebate program designed to let companies pay workers more.
"There's an election in the air," Houston said.
"This election will be about healthcare. It'll be about making sure our seniors can age with dignity. Providing mental healthcare. And it'll be about jobs and the economy."
Elections Nova Scotia says eligible voters can complete an on-line application for a write-in ballot before the provincial general election is called.
The on-line application for a write-in ballot is available now at electionsnovascotia.ca or voters can call Elections Nova Scotia at 1-800-565-1504 to have an application sent to them.
When the election is called, voters who have applied early will be asked to verify their information and then Elections Nova Scotia will send them a write-in ballot kit with instructions.
During the election, information about the write-in ballot process and important deadlines will be posted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Turfing Poilievre from House a clear sign of desperation by Trudeau Liberals
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.