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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.