Town of Carrot River Media Release – CARROT RIVER, SASKATCHEWAN, April 4, 2020
Town Administrator Kevin Trew, who also acts as the Returning Officer for this by-election announced at 5 pm today that the Regular Poll for the By-Election for Mayor Scheduled March 25, 2020 has been officially RESCHEDULED to Friday, May 8, 2020.
The advance poll was held on Friday, March 13 as planned, and saw a turnout of 33 voters. The 33 cast ballots continue to be secured and the election will be deemed ongoing until the end of the regular poll now set for May 8, 2020. Homebound voting has been suspended for this by-election due to the risks surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
The by-election for Mayor is legislated by The Local Government Election Act and Council must hold it prior to May 14, 2020 as per Section 11 or “the Minister may appoint a returning officer and set a date for an election to fill the vacancy” Subsection 4.
In addition, as per section 88 of same Act, the Election Officer within 14 days of the postponement (which was March 21) establish a new poll within 60 days after the date of the postponement.
While there is no way to know at this time whether the new date selected will be a date where voters will be able to cast their ballot without risk of transfer of the COVID-19 virus, the selection of May 8 fits within the 60 days of the postponement, is prior to the deadline set out by Section 11 and allows for the sitting mayor to have a term of over 6 months prior to the next general election set for November 9, 2020.
The returning officer is forced to prepare to hold a poll on May 8 unless prevented by rules set out by the Chief Public Health Office
