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MNL launching supports for municipalities to deliver safe and accessible municipal elections this fall.

MNL launching supports for municipalities to deliver safe and accessible municipal elections this fall.

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2021

 

St. John’s, NL – Today, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) and the Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) are launching an online resource as part of the MNL’s campaign to support COVID safe accessible municipal elections, scheduled for the fall of 2021.

In-person voting day is legislated for September 28, 2021. The Municipal Elections Act lays out a formal process for municipalities to request approval for using a vote by mail option. This process includes a ministerial request, a supporting council resolution and regulations outlining local vote by mail procedures.

MNL and PMA encourage COVID safe accessible elections for all its members. Both organizations are recommending that where possible and practicable, towns seek ministerial approval for the use of a mail-in ballot as an additional way to vote. This means that municipalities can still have an in-person election which adheres to COVID guidelines, as well as a vote by mail option for those who wish to vote this way. Resources for starting the vote by mail request process can be accessed here.

“Throughout COVID 19, our members have shown tremendous leadership in keeping residents safe. These new resources are in place to support them in their continuing efforts to maintain safe communities. The supports recognize that every municipality is different, and we encourage municipal leaders to use the ones that work best for them,” Amy-Coady Davis, Interim Chair, MNL.

“The health and safety of our communities and community members remains the primary goal of municipalities and municipal administrators.  The resources included here were developed to help municipalities navigate the COVID-19 context, which includes the option and consideration of a vote by mail to help protect the health and safety of election staff and voters,” Brian Hudson, PMA President.

Visit the website at www.municipalnl.ca/municipal-elections.

 

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