Saskatchewan's 28th General Election Underway

REGINA, March 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Writs of election were issued today by the Chief Electoral Officer to returning officers in Saskatchewan's 61 constituencies.

This comes following receipt of an order from the Lieutenant Governor in Council instructing that the province's 28th General Election be held on April 4, 2016. The issuance of writs has been part of Saskatchewan's history since its founding.

"Saskatchewan's April 4 election will be the largest electoral event in our province's history," says Dr. Michael Boda, Chief Electoral Officer of Saskatchewan. "Our tradition of democracy in Saskatchewan is essential to everything that we do. Whether you are a voter, election worker or candidate, I look forward to your participation."

Nomination papers are now being accepted by all 61 returning officers across Saskatchewan. Nominations of candidates closes March 19 at 2 p.m.

A list of all 61 returning offices along with contact information is on our website at www.elections.sk.ca/returningoffices.

To vote in the April 4 provincial election you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have lived in Saskatchewan for at least the six months before the day the election is called.

Saskatchewan residents who are now studying outside the province are eligible to vote, as are students from out of province who are now studying in Saskatchewan.

Active members of the Canadian Forces and their families from Saskatchewan serving outside the province can vote. Active Canadian Forces members and their families from outside the province currently serving in Saskatchewan are also eligible to vote.

Elections Saskatchewan estimates that there are 815,000 eligible voters in Saskatchewan. As of Feb. 23, 2016, the end of the enumeration period, there were 745,003 names on the voters list. Eligible voters not yet registered, or in need of updating their own information, can do so until March 22 at www.elections.sk.ca/voterregistration or by calling 1-877-958-8683.

After March 23, you can still vote by registering in person during advance voting (March 29 to April 2) or on election day, April 4.

There are many ways to vote in this election. Information on all of these options is on our website at www.elections.sk.ca/waystovote:

• On election day
• In advance voting prior to election day (March 29 to April 2)
• In a personal care home
• In a hospital
• In your home (Homebound Voting)
• Vote by mail (Absentee Voting)

You must show ID to vote. A complete list of acceptable ID documents is on our website at www.elections.sk.ca/bringid.

Elections Saskatchewan is the province's independent, impartial, professional election management body. Given a mandate from the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, it organizes, manages and oversees provincial electoral events, including the April 4, 2016 general election. Information for voters, workers, media, candidates and parties at www.elections.sk.ca.

SOURCE Elections Saskatchewan

Image with caption: "Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Michael Boda signs the 61 writs of election for Saskatchewan's 28th General Election. (CNW Group/Elections Saskatchewan)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160308_C1343_PHOTO_EN_638363.jpg

Image with caption: "One of the 61 writs of election for Saskatchewan's 28th General Election (CNW Group/Elections Saskatchewan)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160308_C1343_PHOTO_EN_638364.jpg

Tim Kydd, Senior Director, Outreach & Policy, Elections Saskatchewan, 306.537.9211, [email protected]