Timelines for Amendments to the Local Government Elections Act
Year: 2022
Resolution
Whereas the Local Government Elections Act and its Regulations require amendments to the procedures with respect to municipal and school board elections; and
Whereas the next municipal and school boards election is to be held on November 13, 2024; and
Whereas in order for municipalities to conduct a fair and equitable election process and provide information to the municipality’s councils to consider options and recommendations, a minimum of one (1) year prior to the next election date is required to adequately review legislation and prepare project plans; and
Whereas the Act restricts the Returning Officer from conducting various procedural duties outlined in the Act in order to conduct an efficient and effective election, such as the authority to establish polling places and setting deadlines for voting procedures; and
Whereas the Act requires significant changes to address voting procedures when utilizing vote counting equipment, as most Saskatchewan cities are utilizing electronic vote counting in their municipal elections; and
Whereas the forms and templates in the Regulations are outdated and inconsistent with the Act;
Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Provincial Government to ensure that required legislated changes to the Local Government Elections Act and Regulations be completed at least one (1) year in advance of the scheduled local government elections.
ACTS AFFECTED: The Local Government Elections Act
REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: All