Upcoming Deadlines, LDOV Strike Off and Financial Agent Surveys
Upcoming Deadlines
A reminder that party election expenses returns are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 28. Within The Election Act, 1996 there is no ability for the Chief Electoral Officer to provide an extension to this deadline.
RPP fiscal period returns are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Again, by legislation, there is no ability for me to provide an extension to this deadline.
I trust that you recognize the importance of meeting these two deadlines. If you have questions or if you need assistance, please reach out to Aaron Thompson, Director of Finance, and he will be more than pleased to assist you.
Last Day of Voting Strike Off Data
While voting was taking place, political parties and candidates could receive real-time voter strike off information from locations that were using electronic poll books. Political parties and candidates could also receive next day strike off data from all early voting locations that were not using electronic poll books. Strike off data for all last day of voting locations in constituencies not using electronic poll books was only available to parties and candidates by picking up “bingo sheets” at regular intervals from each voting locations.
Our team has subsequently completed voter strike off for all last day of voting locations that did not use electronic poll books, and we will provide this data to registered political parties that request it. If you would like to receive this data, or if you would like more information, please contact Jennifer Colin, Deputy CEO, and she will be able to help.
Financial Agent Surveys
After every general election, my office undertakes an extensive review and evaluation process which is eventually published as part of my post-election reporting. As part of this, we will once again be inviting candidate financial agents to participate in a short, online survey to better understand their experience with the political finance component of the administration of our last event.
This survey is one of the best tools we have to improve our processes and provide better service to parties and candidates. Invitations to participate should start being sent out around April 9 and I ask that you please encourage your candidates’ financial agents to participate.
Transition to 31st Electoral Cycle Communique
The transition from one electoral cycle to the next is never crystal clear. At my office, we are both wrapping up activities related to the 30th general election while beginning to prepare for the 31st.
As part of this transition, we will move from the “30th Electoral Cycle Communique for Chief Official Agents” to a series dedicated to the 31st cycle. This could mean changes in format and design. If you have suggestions on anything that my office could do to make these communiques more useful and valuable to you and your team, I would like to hear from you. I send these so that you are aware of your responsibilities but also so that you know what Elections Saskatchewan is working on and how it might affect you and your campaign activities. As always, we are here to serve you so I would be happy to receive feedback on anything that we could do to make these more effective.
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan