Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Proceedings of the Halifax Needham By-Election August 30, 2016

Volume I: Statement of Votes and Statistics

Volume I: Statement of Votes and Statistics

Published by the Chief Electoral Officer January 6, 2017

Elections Nova Scotia • 7037 Mumford Road, Suite 6, Halifax, NS, B3L 2J1 • PO Box 2246, Halifax, NS, B3J 3C8

902-424-8584 • 1-800-565-1504 • 902-424-7475 (TTY) • electionsnovascotia.ca • [email protected] January 6, 2017

The Honourable Kevin Murphy Speaker of the House of Assembly Province of Nova Scotia 1726 Hollis Street, Province House Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3

Dear Mr. Speaker,

I have the honour to present “Volume 1” of the report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the proceedings of the Halifax Needham By-election, held on August 30, 2016.

I respectfully request that you table this report to the House of Assembly at the next sitting.

This report is submitted to the House of Assembly in accordance with Section 163 of the Elections Act.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Temporale, Chief Electoral Officer

ii ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Table of Contents

Introduction...... 1

Electoral Geography ...... 2 Electoral District...... 2 Polling Stations ...... 2

By-election Results ...... 3 Halifax Needham ...... 3 Number of Seats in the House of Assembly...... 3

Voting Opportunities...... 4 Write-in Ballots ...... 4 Returning Office Poll...... 4 Advance Polls...... 4 Election Day Polls...... 5 Mobile Polls...... 5 Rejected Ballots...... 6

Elector Participation ...... 7 Elector Registration...... 7 Voter Turnout over 10 years ...... 8 Early Voter Turnout over 10 years ...... 10 Registered Parties...... 12 Registered Parties Expense Limits ...... 12 Candidate Expense Limits ...... 12

Changes in Effect for the Halifax Needham By-election . . . . . 13 Legislative Change–Commencement of By-elections...... 13 Voter Information Card Improvement...... 13 Write-in ballot design Improvement...... 14 Selfie Stations...... 14 Scrutineers allowed photographic devices...... 15

Compliance...... 16

Chief Electoral Officer Recommendations...... 17 Newspaper Advertising Requirements...... 17 Update: Communications Nova Scotia Election Advertising Policy...... 10

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 iii Appendix Appendix A • Letter from Chief Electoral Officer to Registered Parties, June 2, 2016 . .19 Appendix B • By-Election Calendar, Halifax Needham August 30, 2016...... 21 Appendix C • Maps & Poll-by-Poll Results for Electoral District of Halifax Needham By-election August 30, 2016...... 24 Appendix D • By-election Brochure August 30, 2016...... 27

List of Tables and Figures

Table 1 • Number of Polling Stations by Type ...... 2 Table 2 • Summary of Votes Received by Candidate Halifax Needham ...... 3 Table 3 • Rejected Ballot Analysis...... 6 Table 4 • Number of Electors and Voters by Age...... 7 Table 5 • Voter Turnout in By-Elections - 10 Years ...... 8 Table 6 • Early Voter Turnout In By-Elections 10 Years ...... 10 Table 7 • Candidate Election Expense Limit...... 12

Figure 1 • Percentage Votes Cast by Voting Opportunity...... 5 Figure 2 • Halifax Needham Voter Participation ...... 8 Figure 3 • Voter Turnout in By-elections – 10 Years ...... 9 Figure 4 • Early Voter Turnout in By-elections 10 years...... 11

Abbreviations

CEO Chief Electoral Officer CPI Consumer Price Index EDA Electoral District Association ENS Elections Nova Scotia GPNS Green Party of Nova Scotia NSNDP Nova Scotia New Democratic Party AP Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia NSLP Nova Scotia Liberal Party PC Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia Tariff Tariff of Fees and Expenses

iv ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Introduction

The resignation of the Honourable Maureen MacDonald, representing the electoral district of Halifax Needham, created a vacancy in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly effective April 12th, 2016.

On June 2nd, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) wrote to the leaders of the registered parties informing them that under the authority vested in him by section 5(r) of the Elections Act, he would invoke his power to have the amendments under Bill 162 be in force and effect for the upcoming by-election in Halifax Needham on the grounds that without such action, there would needlessly be both confusion and legal consequences for all of the major stakeholders involved in the electoral process. A copy of this letter is shown in Appendix A.

On Saturday, July 30th, pursuant to an Order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, a writ of election was issued under the Elections Act by the CEO to Ron Skibbens, the returning officer for the electoral district of Halifax Needham, ordering that an election be held on August 30th. The CEO published an election calendar, a copy of which is shown in Appendix B. The calendar counts downward from the day the writ was issued, Saturday, July 30th, 31 days before election day, to ten days after election day, Friday, September 9th, the earliest date for the return of the writ of election. The calendar also identifies key filing dates for the official agents of the four candidates contesting the election.

At the time of the by-election call, the distribution of seats by registered parties in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly was: 34 members from the Nova Scotia Liberal Party (NSLP); 10 from the Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia (PC); five from the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (NSNDP); one independent member and one vacancy.

Nominations closed on Wednesday, August 10th. Four candidates stood for election one each from the Green Party of Nova Scotia (GP), the NSLP, the NSNDP, and PC parties.

Early voting opportunities commenced within five days of issuing the writ, on Thursday August 4th. This was the first day the returning office was open to the public and electors could apply to vote by write-in ballot. The continuous poll in the returning office was offered every day excluding Sundays from the day the office opened to the public, August 4th through to the close of polls on election day, 8:00pm, August 30th. As well, two advance polls were offered for seven days, August 20th through August 27th, instead of only two days, Friday and Saturday before election day, as specified by theAct prior to 2016. Electors could choose which advance poll they voted at; a first under the changes to the Act that came into effect on January 1, 2016.

At the close of polls on election day, a total of 4,967 electors (32.0%) of the 15,372 electors on the final list of electors in Halifax Needham had voted.

On Thursday, September 1st, Lisa Roberts, NDP was determined to have the most votes cast at the Official Addition. Lisa Roberts was declared elected with the return of the completed writ of election on Friday, September 9th.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 1 Electoral Geography

Electoral District

The boundaries for the electoral district of Halifax Needham were enacted in 2012 under the House of Assembly Act on the recommendation of the Nova Scotia Electoral Boundaries Commission. A map displaying the electoral district boundaries, polling divisions and voting location catchment areas is shown in Appendix C.

Polling Stations

In Halifax Needham there were 40 different voting opportunities offered to electors. There was a continuous poll and a write-in ballot poll held at the returning office throughout the writ period, two advance polls at separate locations and 34 election day polling stations at nine locations plus two mobile polls servicing Northwood Manor and Northwood Centre.

Table 1 • Number of Polling Stations by Type / Halifax Needham

Number of Polling Stations by Type

Election Day Mobile Continuous Write-in ballot Advance Total

34 2 1 1 2 40

2 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA By-election Results

Halifax Needham

On return of the writ to the Chief Electoral Officer, the returning officer for Halifax Needham Centre, Ron Skibbens, declared Lisa Roberts (NSNDP) elected. A summary of valid votes received by candidate is shown in Table 2. The poll-by-poll results are shown in Appendix C.

Table 2 • Summary of Votes Received by Candidate Halifax Needham By- election August 30, 2016

Candidate Registered Party Votes Received

Andy Arsenault PC 600

Lisa Roberts NSNDP 2,519

Thomas Trappenberg GPNS 161

Rod Wilson NSLP 1,666

Number of Seats in the House of Assembly

At the conclusion of the Halifax Needham by-election the distribution of seats in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly was: 34 NSLP; 10 PC, 6 NSNDP; and one independent member.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 3 Voting Opportunities

Write-in Ballots

Electors were entitled to vote by write-in ballot. There were four methods by which an elector could apply for a write-in ballot: by mail, by agent, by write-in ballot coordinator, or in person. As shown in the poll-by-poll results in Appendix C a total of 103 electors voted by write-in ballot. By comparison, 279 electors voted by write-in ballot in this district during the 2013 provincial general election.

Applications for a write-in ballot were available to all electors upon the opening of the returning offices on August 4th. The deadlines in subsection 101(3) of the Act, to apply for a write-in ballot as shown on the Election Calendar in Appendix B were day 10 (August 20) by mail and day 0 or election day (August 30) by agent or write-in ballot coordinator. These deadlines are administrative necessities imposed to ensure there is sufficient time for the application process to be completed and approved and subsequently, for the ballots to be delivered, completed and returned for counting by the close of polls at 8 pm on election day.

Returning Office Poll

A returning office continuous poll was available every day, except Sundays from the opening of the returning office on August 4th through August 30th election day. A total of 667 electors voted at the continuous poll compared with 760 during the 2013 provincial general election.

Advance Polls

The advance poll was available 7 days, from Saturday, August 20th to Saturday August 27th (excluding Sunday, August 21st).

Hours of Advance Poll: Saturday, August 20. . . .9 am to 6 pm Sunday, August 21. . . . CLOSED Monday, August 22. . . . 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday, August 23. . . . 9 am to 6 pm Wednesday, August 24 . . .9 am to 6 pm Thursday, August 25. . . .9 am to 8 pm Friday, August 26. . . . .9 am to 8 pm Saturday, August 27. . . .9 am to 6 pm

4 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA There were two Advance poll locations in Halifax Needham: Acadia Square Lodge North, 3450 Devonshire St. Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2158 Gottingen St.

For the first time in Nova Scotia, electors were not assigned to vote at a specific advance poll and could vote at either poll offered. A total of 835 electors voted at the two advance polls compared with 792 during the 2013 provincial general election. See poll-by-poll results in Appendix C.

Election Day Polls

On August 30th, all 34 polls opened on time at 8 am and remained open to 8 pm. A total of 3,362 electors voted at an election day poll compared with 5,951 during the 2013 provincial general election.

Mobile Polls

On election day, two mobile polls serviced Northwood Manor, Northwood Centre and Northwood Towers. Both polls were scheduled to remain open for four hours. Signs were posted in advance to alert the residents of the hours of operation. The times on the posters were crossed out and extended to 8 pm. This was likely done by a Good Samaritan thinking that the times as posted were wrong because election day polls ran from 8 am to 8 pm. As a consequence, there was a lineup of electors waiting to vote at 10 am when the polls were scheduled to open. Rather than risk disenfranchising electors who may have shown up late to vote because of the altered times, the Chief Electoral Officer extended both polls until 8 pm.

In total, 149 electors voted at the two mobile polls in Halifax Needham. In the 2013 provincial general election, Northwood Manor, Northwood Centre and Northwood Towers were serviced by an ordinary polling station. In 2013, 193 of 583 electors, or 33.1% voted in the ordinary poll (poll number 40) compared to 149 of 536 electors or 27.8% who voted in the two mobile polls (poll numbers 35 and 36) in the 2016 by-election.

The following figure shows that electors have taken advantage of a variety of early voting opportunities, with about a third of all votes cast outside of election day.

Figure 1 • Percentage Votes Cast by Voting Opportunity

Write-In Continuous 2.1% 13.4%

Advance 16.8%

Mobile 3.0%

Election Day 64.7%

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 5 Rejected Ballots

During the count after the close of polls on election day, ballots that aren’t marked for one of the registered candidates in an unambiguous way are reported in the count as “rejected”.

In the Provincial General Election of 2013, the number of rejected ballots increased 107% over the 2009 general election to 0.7% of all ballots cast. We felt a review needed to be conducted to understand the reasons why more ballots were being rejected.

In the Statement of Votes and Statistics for the three by-elections held July, 2015, the Chief Electoral Officer reported that the percentage of rejected ballots dropped to 0.5% of all ballots cast. Further analysis found that the vast majority of rejected ballots were intentionally spoiled (69%) or blank (21%). Of the 10% that were unintentionally mismarked, most were write-in ballots which led to a change in its design to reduce the likelihood of this occurring in future.

In the Halifax Needham by-election, there were fewer rejected ballots cast than in the three previous by-elections. In total, 21 ballots were rejected, representing 0.4% of all ballots cast compared to 0.5% and 0.9% of total ballots cast in the 2015 by-elections and the 2013 general election.

Our internal review of the rejected ballots cast in this by-election revealed a significant drop in the percentage of unintentionally mismarked ballots, likely attributable to the new write-in ballot design. Consequently, the percentage of rejected ballots that were either blank or intentionally spoiled grew to 95% of total rejected ballots.

The table below illustrates our findings.

Table 3 • Rejected Ballot Analysis Halifax Needham By-election August 30, 2016

Total Rejected Ballots Restated

Official Voter Error/ Intentionally Blank/ Total Results Rejected Spoiled Declined

21 1 9 10 20*

* On review of rejected ballots, it was determined one ballot should have been attributed to a candidate.

Note: We acknowledge that this accounting is not relevant to determining who won the election, nor do we recommend spending time on election night or during the official count to differentiate among the rejected ballots. But in the context of why we encounter rejected ballots in the electoral process, the scrutiny after the fact is informative and therefore worth reporting.

6 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Elector Participation

Elector Registration

The preliminary list of electors was certified by the returning officer on August 9, 2016. There were 15,531 electors on the list in Halifax Needham.

During the revision process, electors were added to and removed from the list as a result of various revision activities including the enumeration of the long term care facilities, door to door targeted revision at addresses known for high mobility of tenants, and the return of mailed out voter information cards (VIC) by Canada Post. A VIC was mailed to each elector on the preliminary list. Canada Post returned cards that were not deliverable. On day 2 of the election calendar, the returning officer certified the official list of electors (the list of electors used on election day) in Halifax Needham, with 15,270 electors.

After the updates from election day were made to the list, there were 15,372 electors on the final list in Halifax Needham.

Table 4 and Figure 2 show the participation of eligible electors in the by-election, by age group. The lowest percentage of voters, with 17% voting, were 18-24 while the group with the highest voter turnout, with just over half, or 53% voting participation, were aged 65-74. In comparison, in the 2013 provincial general election, the 18-24 group had 20% voter participation and those 65-74 with 78% voting.

Table 4 • Number of Electors and Voters by Age / By-election August 30, 2016

28 – Halifax Needham

Age Range Electors Voted % Voting

18-24 Years 734 127 17%

25-34 Years 4,090 747 18%

35-44 Years 2,749 733 27%

45-54 Years 2,339 810 35%

55-64 Years 2,408 1,087 45%

65-74 Years 1,631 869 53%

75+ Years 1,417 523 37%

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 7 Figure 2 • Halifax Needham Voter Participation

4500 60%

4000 50% 3500

3000 40%

2500 30% 2000

1500 20%

1000 10% 500

0 0%

18-24 Years 25-34 Years 35-44 Years 45-54 Years 55-64 Years 65-74 Years 75+ Years

Electors Voted% Voted

Voter Turnout over 10 years

Numerous factors affect the percentage of electors who voted, for example, weather and local issues may drive engagement. Table 5 and accompanying Figure 3 show the general trend in voter turnout is a slight decline, with the August, 2016 Halifax Needham by- election marking the lowest voter turnout among the most recent eleven by-elections.

Table 5 • Voter Turnout in By-elections / 10 years

Electors Voted % Voted

2007 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage 12,587 5,551 44%

2009 Inverness 14,310 8,866 62%

2009 Antigonish 15,294 8,107 53%

2010 Yarmouth 13,361 7,917 59%

2010 Glace Bay 12,947 7,234 56%

2010 Cumberland South 9,874 5,738 58%

2011 Cape Breton North 14,114 7,299 52%

2015 Sydney-Whitney Pier 18,310 7,768 43%

2015 Dartmouth South 17,100 6,486 38%

2015 Cape Breton Centre 13,389 6,341 47%

2016 Halifax Needham 15,372 4,967 32%

8 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Figure 3 • Voter Turnout in By-elections 10 years

20000 70% 18000 60% 16000 14000 50% 12000 40% 10000 8000 30%

6000 20% 4000 10% 2000

0 0% h y h h h m

rmout Ya x-Needha -Whitney Pier 2009 Inverness 2010 2010 Glace Ba 2009 Antigonish ney

Syd 2015 Dartmouth15 CapeSout Breton2016 Centre Halifa 2010 Cumberland2011 SoutCape Breton Nort 20 2007 Cole Harbour-Eastern 2015

Electors Voted% Voted

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 9 Early Voter Turnout over 10 years

Electors are taking advantage of the convenience of early voting opportunities. Increased opportunity to vote in advance polls, returning office continuous polls and by write-in ballot, and the awareness of these opportunities are two of the factors that have led to an increase in the percentage of votes cast before election day. The number of electors who used an early voting opportunity to cast their ballot in provincial general elections increased from 15% in 2009 to 25% in 2013. Table 6 and Figure 4 reveal a significant trend, from roughly one in seven votes cast in by-elections in the early part of the last decade to almost one in three voters casting their vote before election day in 2016.

Table 6 • Early Voter Turnout in By-elections 10 years

Voted Early Votes % Early Votes

2007 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage 5,551 930 16.8%

2009 Inverness 8,866 1,069 12.0%

2009 Antigonish 8,107 1,202 14.8%

2010 Yarmouth 7,917 1,219 15.4%

2010 Glace Bay 7,234 1,850 25.6%

2010 Cumberland South 5,738 1,292 22.5%

2011 Cape Breton North 7,299 2,003 27.4%

2015 Sydney-Whitney Pier 7,768 2,427 31.2%

2015 Dartmouth South 6,486 1,560 24.0%

2015 Cape Breton Centre 6,341 1,567 24.7%

2016 Halifax Needham 4,967 1,605 32.3%

10 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Figure 4 • Early Vote Turnout in By-elections 10 years

10000 35% 9000 30% 8000 7000 25%

6000 20% 5000 15% 4000 3000 10% 2000 5% 1000 0 0%

h y h h h m

rmout Ya x-Needha -Whitney Pier 2009 Inverness 2010 2010 Glace Ba 2009 Antigonish ney

Syd 2015 Dartmouth15 CapeSout Breton2016 Centre Halifa 2010 Cumberland2011 SoutCape Breton Nort 20 2007 Cole Harbour-Eastern 2015

Voted Early Votes % Early Votes

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 11 Registered Parties

Registered Parties Expense Limits

The maximum amount for by-election expenses that a registered party could incur as prescribed by subsections 259(2) and 260(3) of the Elections Act was $6,182.96.

At the time of the by-election, there were five registered parties in Nova Scotia. At 2 pm on August 10, 2016 when the nomination of candidates concluded, four registered parties, the NSLP; PC, NSNDP, and the GPNS had endorsed candidates in the electoral district. The Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia (AP), which became the fifth registered political party in June 2016, as approved by the Chief Electoral Officer pursuant to section 181 of the Elections Act, did not endorse a candidate in this by-election. There was no independent candidate at the close of nominations.

The due date for filing an audited report is January 9 2017, for all parties with candidates contesting the election. Information from these audited reports and other details on expenses and reimbursements will be included in Volume II: Financial Information & Statistics, to be published in early 2017.

Candidate Expense Limits

Section 260 of the Elections Act provides the formula for calculating the maximum amount that a candidate may incur for election expenses as defined in section 166(i). Table 7 shows the calculation of the maximum amount a candidate may incur for election expenses by an electoral district. The final limit is based on the greater of either the preliminary or final number of electors on the list.

A candidate who receives not less than 10% of the valid votes cast in their electoral district is eligible to receive reimbursement of election expenses. The amount of reimbursement is the lesser of the maximum reimbursement amount, as prescribed in Section 267 of the Elections Act, or the candidate’s actual election expenses. The maximum amount of reimbursement which a candidate may receive is also shown in Table 7. The final list of electors totaled 15,372 that resulted in no change to the candidate spending or reimbursement limits.

Table 7 • Candidate Election Expense Limit / Halifax Needham By-election, August 30, 2016

Electoral District – Halifax Needham

Number of Electors August 10, 2016 15,531 $6.18/elector times the number of electors for the first 5,000 electors $30,897.50 $5.25/elector times the number of electors exceeding 5,000, not exceeding 10,000 $26,252.07 $4.63/elector times the number of electors exceeding 10,000 $25,634.11 Total Candidate Spending Limit (s.260) $82,783.69 Candidate Reimbursement (s.267) $23,993.46

12 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Changes in Effect for the Halifax Needham By-election

Legislative Change–Commencement of By-elections

The Halifax Needham by-election period began with the issuance of a writ on July 30, 2016.

Prior to an amendment to the Elections Act that came into effect on May 20, 2016, the election period for a by-election commenced with the vacancy in the House of Assembly which could last up to six months before the by-election is called. Any election advertising distributed must be considered and reported on by the advertiser. Election advertising is the transmission of any advertising message that promotes or opposes a party or candidate including one that takes a position on an issue that is associated with a party or candidate in the election period.

The use of government funds or means of transmission of election advertising is a contravention of the Elections Act.

The updated definition of the election period aligns the legislation to other Canadian jurisdictions limiting the election period to the issuance of the writ.

Voter Information Card Improvement

In earlier elections and by-elections, Voter Information Cards (VIC) were PO Box 2246 Halifax Needham individually sent to electors. During Halifax, NS B3J 3C8 2016 By-election the Halifax Needham by-election, an When, where and how to vote Important Dates improved VIC design and process was Voting in Returning Office implemented. Now electors who live Now to August 30 (Excluding Sundays) Advance Poll Voting Saturday August 20 to August 27 at the same address may receive their 1234567 (Excluding Sunday August 21) Election Day VICs in a single envelope. This results Tuesday August 30 JOHN SAMPLE JANE SAMPLE Mail-In Ballot Deadline in improved information in the notice JAKE SAMPLE APT 4 Saturday August 20 6:00 PM 5768 HARBOURVIEW DR to apply for a write-in ballot by mail and significantly lower postage costs. HALIFAX NS B3H 1E4 Write-In Ballot Deadline Tuesday August 30 3:00 PM - to apply The bright yellow envelopes include in-person or by agent for a write-in ballot voter information card for up to 8 There are individual Voter Information Cards electors and it includes information on 3 provided in this package. (Fold and tear along the perforated line) where and when to vote in early voting This Voter Information Card is for: 87654321 JOHN SAMPLE 87654321 APT 4 opportunities or on election day. If this card is not For persons who are addressed to you, 5768 HARBOURVIEW DR deaf or hard of hearing corrections and / or TTY: 902-424-7475 Electoral District: Halifax Needham additions can be made TTY Toll Free: 1-866-774-7074 when you go to vote. Poll Number: 026 electionsnovascotia.ca FOR FASTER AND EASIER SERVICE, bring this Voter Information Card (VIC) and ID with you Advance Poll Voting You can vote at any ONE of the locations Saturday August 20 9AM to 6PM Sunday August 21 NO VOTING Acadia Square Lodge North, Monday August 22 9AM to 6PM 3450 Devonshire St, Halifax Tuesday August 23 9AM to 6PM Wednesday August 24 9AM to 6PM Thursday August 25 9AM to 8PM Mi’kmaw Friendship Centre, Friday August 26 9AM to 8PM 2158 Gottingen St, Halifax Saturday August 27 9AM to 6PM Election Day You vote at Tuesday August 30, 2016 The Reddish Building 8AM to 8PM 5431 Doyle St, Unit 104, Halifax

Vote at your Local Returning Office Monday-Saturday 9AM to 6PM Toll free: 1-844-331-3017 2700 Robie St Local: 902-484-3484 Halifax

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 13 At the polling station, the VIC is accepted as one of two pieces of identification. If the elector does not have adequate ID they must swear an oath attesting to their identity, eligibility and confirming they have not voted previously.

Write-in ballot design Improvement

A new write-in ballot design now has the names of all registered parties on the ballot. In the 39th provincial general election, numerous write-in ballots were rejected because the handwritten name of the candidate or party could not be read, or the written name was not a candidate running in the electoral district. The new write-in ballot design was first used in the Halifax Needham by-election. This design ballot is used until after nominations close, then a ballot with all candidate names is printed in most voting opportunities.

Selfie Stations

Participation in social media has become part of the everyday experience, especially among the younger electorate. Elections Saskatchewan recognized this trend and set up selfie stations at all voting locations encouraging electors to report on their experience. This inspired Elections Nova Scotia to introduce a pilot project during the Halifax Needham by-election, to permit the taking of ‘selfies’ in areas just outside the polling stations. Photography is banned in a polling station, with the exception being a leader of a registered party running for election or the candidates running against the leader, and only on approval of the Chief Electoral Officer. Photography is permitted in areas immediately outside the polling station, and this is where selfie stations were set up.

The selfie station presented a life-size image of well-known broadcaster Rick Mercer. The television personality is widely recognized for his strong voice on democracy and has frequently encouraged the electorate to exercise their right to vote. During this pilot project, some people chose to have their photo taken in front of the selfie-station, while

14 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA holding cards which included comments that completed the I voted... “I voted…” phrase on the poster, including:

“because it is my right.” “because I wanted to be heard.” “because I want to make a difference.” “because I can.” “It’s my first time!” and, “Yay!”

The concept sparked some interest among younger voters, including first-time voters.

The pilot was executed with very little fanfare; there was no news release or social media notice that the selfie poster would be available. It is anticipated the selfie posters will be distributed to polling stations during the next general election, with promotion and conversation on social media using hashtags including the already popular hashtag #nsVotes.

Scrutineers allowed photographic devices

As mentioned earlier, the only photography allowed in a polling station is on approval of the Chief Electoral Officer where a party leader (or an opposing candidate in the electoral district) is voting. There is one more circumstance where photographic devices are permitted. Scrutineers represent candidates during an election and observe voting and counting of ballots. Scrutineers are permitted to take photos of the record of electors who have voted known as ‘bingo sheets’. These sheets include the crossed off elector number IDs. The scrutineer may take photos of such lists and email or text the images to candidate or party headquarters.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 15 Compliance

There were no matters during the Halifax Needham by-election period that required investigation for potential non-compliance with the Elections Act. It is the practice of Elections Nova Scotia to report on compliance agreements that may result from such investigations.

16 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA Chief Electoral Officer Recommendations

Based on the experience of the by-election held August 30, the Chief Electoral Officer recommends the following changes to the manner in which Elections Nova Scotia conducts elections and accounts for their results.

Newspaper Advertising Requirements

Legislation currently requires Elections Nova Scotia to advertise in newspapers throughout the province to provide notice of election, grant of poll and other information on where to vote. The obligation to advertise is a throwback to the days when there were few alternatives to newspapers as the primary means of informing the public.

Newspaper circulation is declining and alternatives exist that would result in an efficient and timely notice that would reach more electors at lower cost. The largest daily circulation of a newspaper in Nova Scotia is currently estimated to reach less than 100,000 people. This is a relatively small percentage of electors in Nova Scotia, which number approximately 735,000 registered electors. On the other hand, direct mail to all 400,514 households in the province has the capacity to reach a far greater percentage of all electors and the public in general at significantly lower cost than posting the same material in newspapers that would not reach every household in the province.

We believe it is time to remove the legislated obligation for newspaper advertising. Newspapers would then be treated as any other mode of communication to reach the public, an available option at the discretion of the Chief Electoral Officer.

Other jurisdictions in Canada have either removed the requirement for publishing notices in newspapers, or are proposing the change. As examples, the province of Manitoba and Elections Canada have no specific requirement to publish in newspapers. In December 2016, legislative amendments removing the newspaper publishing requirement in Ontario received Royal Assent.

Recommendation The Chief Electoral Officer recommends that the requirement to publish the notice of election and the grant of poll in a newspaper be rescinded.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 17 Update: Communications Nova Scotia Election Advertising Policy

As reported in the Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer 2015-2016, a panel established in September 2015 with Elections Nova Scotia and Communications Nova Scotia (CNS) participants examined CNS advertising policies and procedures during the election period. The panel generated recommendations including an outright prohibition on government advertising during an election, except for exemptions such as notices to inform the public of danger to health, safety or environment. The Chief Electoral Officer supported five of the six panel recommendations, and called for a broadening of the language of its election guidelines in its Communications Policies and Procedures Manual.

CNS and ENS met in late November to discuss the recommendations and response of the Chief Electoral Officer. As this volume was being finalized in December 2016, CNS indicated it would require additional time to provide a formal response to the recommendations. We anticipate reporting on the CNS response and any subsequent developments in the next annual report.

Recommendation Elections Nova Scotia continues to support the broadening of its election guidelines in the CNS Communications Policies and Procedures Manual in relation to the election and by-election periods as recommended by the panel. Furthermore, as time permits, that Legislative Counsel rewrite the wording of the Section 272 of the Act to simplify and clarify what the government can and cannot do with respect to advertising during an electoral event.

18 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA APPENDIX A Letter from Chief Electoral Officer to Registered Parties, June 2, 2016

Via Email and Mail

June 2, 2016

[Leader]

Dear [Leader]

Re: Vacancy in Halifax Needham and Election Period change in status

I am writing further to my April 13, 2016, correspondence sent to [President/Official Agent of Party], which included the notice of commencement of the election period in electoral district of Halifax Needham following the resignation of MLA Maureen MacDonald. At that time I reminded your party of the restrictions on election advertising, the rules pertaining to election spending and the candidate registration requirements. With the granting of Royal Assent to Bill 162 on May 20, 2016, the rules governing by- elections and general elections have changed in the manner described below. I refer you to the following link for reference of these amendments: http://nslegislature.ca/legc/.

Amendments significant to the by-election to be held in Halifax-Needham: • Section 2(f) definition of “during an election” has been amended to change the beginning of an election period for a by-election from the occurrence of a vacancy to the issuance of the writ. Since a writ has not been issued, this means the election period that commenced on April 12, 2016 is no longer in effect as of May 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. We are no longer in a period of election. Therefore, election advertising rules no longer apply to registered parties, the government of the day or to potential third parties. To be clear, a new election period will only commence with the issuance of the writ for that by-election. • Under section 2(f) amendments, the end of the election period, whether for a by- election or provincial general election, also changes from the day when a candidate is declared elected (after the official count usually held on the Thursday after election day) to the close of polls on election day. • Section 29(b) now imposes a maximum writ period of 46 days. • The definition of “election expenses” in Section 166(i) is amended to align with the new definition of “during an election”.

In addition to the above-noted amendment to section 2(f) and 29(b), the following amendment is of significance to the upcoming 40th provincial general election: • Section 38(2) has been amended to allow a candidate at a general election and the spouse of a candidate who lives with the candidate [but not a dependent of a candidate] to vote in any polling division in the electoral district in which the candidate is running.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 19 Section 354 of the Act overrides the application of these changes for any election, including the pending by-election in Halifax Needham, if a writ is issued within 6 months from the passing of the amendment (October 19, 2016). This means, if a by-election were to be called before that date, we would be forced to revert to the rules and laws in place prior to the passing of these amendments.

This would cause both confusion and legal consequences for all of the major stakeholders involved in the electoral process. I am confident that this was not the intention of the members of the Assembly when they passed Bill 162. Fortunately, the Act provides me an opportunity to seamlessly remedy the unintended consequences of section 354 with respect to the pending by-election. Under the authority vested in me by section 5(r) of the Elections Act, I will invoke my power to modify sections 2(f), 29(b) and 166(i) to reflect the amendments under Bill 162 to be in force and effect for the upcoming by- election in Halifax Needham that must be called before October 19, 2016. Further for greater certainty for the parties involved, I am declaring that Nova Scotia was not in an election period from the date of the vacancy (April 12, 2016) to May 19, 2016.

I do not have the same powers to over-ride the Act if a general election were to be called before October 19, 2016. This means the amendments to section 2(f) concerning the end of the election period, section 29(b) limiting the maximum writ period to 46 days and section 38(2) would not apply. In the latter case, only sitting members and their immediate families could vote in any polling division in the electoral district in which the member is running.

In summary, we are no longer in an election period. The election period will begin when the writ is issued for the pending by-election.

Lastly, irrespective of this development, I will remind you that candidates must register with Elections Nova Scotia before they incur an expense, receive a contribution or accept a transfer of funds from the registered party of the electoral district association. The requirements governing these activities are outlined in Section 203 of the Act.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Yours truly,

Richard Temporale Chief Electoral Officer

C [President/Official Agent] [Election Commission Members]

20 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA APPENDIX B By-Election Calendar, Halifax Needham August 30, 2016

31 • Saturday, July 30 26 • Thursday, August 4 -- Writ Issued s.30 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Notice of Election issued s.30 -- Final day to post Notice of Election -- Returning Office established s.27 -- Registered parties must provide names -- Request list of election officers from of election officers no later than 5:00 pm registered parties s.81(1) s.81(2) 30 • Sunday, July 31 25 • Friday, August 5 -- Returning Office hours: no public hours -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Post Notice of Election s.31(b) -- Final day to secure election day polling -- Appoint enumerators s.47(3) locations s.90 -- Train enumerators 24 • Saturday, August 6 -- Prepare for voting by write-in ballot -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm s.101-108 23 • Sunday, August 7 - - Prepare for voting at continuous poll -- Returning Office hours: no public hours s.140-143 -- Target enumeration ends 29 • Monday, August 1 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 22 • Monday, August 8 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm - - Requests for write-in ballot applications Write-in ballot continues (by mail or agent) may begin (by mail, fax, email or by s.101-108 agent ) s.101-108 -- Voting by write-in ballot coordinator team - - Returning Office continuous poll begins (in- district) may begin s.140-143 -- Enumeration data entry to be complete by - - Target enumeration begins close of the office - - Final day to request registered parties -- Continuous poll continues s.140-143 provide names of election officers Revision to the list of electors continues s.55 s.81(1) Acceptance of nominations continues s.65 -- Nominations accepted s.65 Data entry from target enumeration -- Revision to the list of electors s.55 Begin to -- Begin to Certify Preliminary List of secure polling locations s.90 Electors, if ready s.52(2)(c) 28 • Tuesday, August 2 ·· revision to the list continues after -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Preliminary List is certifieds.54 Data entry from target enumeration ·· Voter Information Cards to be produced s.53 ·· provide Certified Preliminary List of Electors 27 • Wednesday, August 3 to each officially nominated candidate s.52(3) -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- VICs to be generated by close of the office -- Issuing write-in ballots must begin (by 21 • Tuesday, August 9 mail. or by agent) s.101-108 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Returning Office continuous poll (in-district) must begin s.140-143 20 • Wednesday, August 10 -- Final Day to confirm Advance Poll location(s) -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Final Day for Establishment of Mobile Polls -- Nominations close: 2:00 pm s.66(2) -- Deadline for candidate to withdraw nomination: 2:00 pm s.72

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 21 19 • Thursday, August 11 10 • Saturday, August 20 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Final day to certify Preliminary List of -- Deadline to receive an application for Electors s.52(2)(c) write-in ballot by mail, fax, e-mail, -- Final day to provide Certified if the ballot is to be mailed 6:00 pm Preliminary List of Electors to officially s.101(3)(e) nominated candidates s.52(3)L -- Advance poll begins at 9:00 am - - Lists of polling locations must be 9 • Sunday, August 21 provided to officially nominated -- Returning Office hours: no public hours candidates s.90(2) 8 • Monday, August 22 18 • Friday, August 12 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Write-in ballot voting continues (by agent or 17 • Saturday, August 13 write-in ballot coordinator team) s.101-108 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Continuous poll continues s.140-143 16 • Sunday, August 14 -- Advance poll continues -- Returning Office hours: no public hours -- Revision to the list of electors continues - 15 • Monday, August 15 - Begin training election day election officers -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 7 • Tuesday, August 23 -- Election day ballots received from printer by -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 12:00 pm 6 • Wednesday, August 24 -- Set Election day Ballots distribution date in -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EMS -- Write-in ballot continues (by mail, agent or 5 • Thursday, August 25 write-in ballot team) s.101-108 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm -- Continuous poll continues s.140-143 4 • Friday, August 26 -- Revision to the list of electors continues s.55 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm -- Begin training advance poll election officers -- Applications for Transfer Certificates available s.99(1)(3) for a candidate, 14 • Tuesd ay, August 16 scrutineer or elector physically impeded - - Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from voting at their assigned polling -- Begin using election day ballots for in-district station. electors at opening of continuous poll 3 • Saturday, August 27 13 • Wednesday, August 17 -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm - - Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Advance poll ends at 6:00 pm s.134-13 12 • Thursday, August 18 -- Applications for Transfer Certificates -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm cease at 8:00 pm s.99(1)(3) for a candidate, scrutineer or elector 11 • Friday, August 19 physically impeded from voting at their - - Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm assigned polling station. - - Balance of election day ballots received from -- If ready, supply list of election day officers to printer by 12:00 pm candidates s.85 - - Final day to receive objections to names -- Ask candidates for names of witnesses for on List of Electors s.61(1) election night verification and counts for the -- Revised List of Electors certified after write-in ballot and continuous polls 6:00 pm s.57(1) -- Revision to the list of electors (unless the ·· Revised List provided to each officially elector is voting) ends at 6:00 pm nominated candidate s.57(1)(c)

22 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA 2 • Sunday, August 28 0 • Tuesday, August 30 -- Returning Office hours: no public hours -- Returning Office hours: 8:00 am until all poll -- Certify Official List of Electors after 1:00 results are received pm s.57(3) and 97(1) -- Election day poll 8:00 am to 8:00 pm -- provide Official List of Electors to candidates s.80 s.57(3)(c) -- Returning Office continuous poll in-district -- Transfer Certificates available for an election voting continues 8:00am to 8:00 pm officer who has been appointed after the last -- Write-in ballot in-district voting (by day of advance poll s.99(2) agent or write-in ballot coordinator team) applications cease 3:00 pm 1 • Monday, August 29 s.101(3) -- Returning Office hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm -- Revision to the list of electors (only if the - - Final day to train election day officers elector is voting) ends at 8:00 pm - - Returning Office continuous poll in-district -- All write-in ballots are to be returned to the voting continues returning office by 8:00 pm - - Revision to the list of electors continues -- Transfer Certificates available for an election (only if the elector is voting) day officer who has been appointed after the -- Write-in ballot in-district voting continues (by last day of advance poll s.99(2) agent or write-in ballot coordinator team ) -- Receive all unofficial results from counts s.101-108 -- Provide ballots and Official List of Electors to -1 • Wednesday, August 31 election day officers -- Returning Office hours: no public hours -- Transfer Certificates available for an election -2 • Thursday, September 1 day officer who has been appointed after the -- Returning Office hours: no public hours last day of advance poll s.99(2) -- Official Addition commences 10:00 am s.145(1) -6 • Monday, September 5 -- Returning Office hours: no public hours Earliest date for application for judicial recount s.149(1) -10 • Friday, September 9 -- Date for return of the Writ if official count not delayed and no recount under s.159

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 23 APPENDIX C Maps & Poll-by-Poll Results for Electoral District of Halifax Needham By-election August 30, 2016 # P E E R 2 o l l e 8 e e P l s

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24 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 Rejected Ballots*** 32 20 25 14 15 32 29 28 19 25 22 11 19 31 30 19 36 54 36 24 32 27 24 39 52 37 45 51 63 NSLP Rod WilsonRod 6 0 6 0 2 3 2 0 4 2 7 2 2 2 5 4 2 6 2 0 2 2 4 1 7 5 4 8 10 GPNS Thomas Trappenberg 35 20 52 21 10 45 18 23 41 58 65 53 41 77 51 62 57 78 66 44 63 38 40 62 35 34 88 45 94 NSNDP Lisa Roberts Lisa 3 5 0 5 1 2 6 6 0 4 2 2 8 2 4 9 9 9 7 9 11 11 10 11 22 14 15 13 20 PC Statement of Official Results Andy Arsenault Andy 85 43 88 35 32 81 51 57 70 85 98 68 64 88 89 81 76 88 96 87 118 106 151 117 106 119 154 113 187 Total Votes** 458 385 368 506 457 449 467 391 458 369 393 367 365 500 348 493 470 491 501 486 437 460 373 366 380 388 517 488 460 List* Electors on Official Polling Location Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax YMCA on Gottingen. Prince William Street Entrance, Halifax YMCA on Gottingen. Prince William Street Entrance, Halifax YMCA on Gottingen. Prince William Street Entrance, Halifax YMCA on Gottingen. Prince William Street Entrance, Halifax Fung Kok Loy Institute of Taoism, Halifax Italian Canadian Cultural Association of NS, Halifax Italian Canadian Cultural Association of NS, Halifax YMCA on Gottingen. Prince William Street Entrance, Halifax Italian Canadian Cultural Association of NS, Halifax Italian Canadian Cultural Association of NS, Halifax Italian Canadian Cultural Association of NS, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge South, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge North, Halifax School, Halifax High Park Junior Highland School, Halifax High Park Junior Highland AcadiaSquare Lodge North, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge South, Halifax St. of Margaret Scotland Anglican Church Hall, Halifax St. of Margaret Scotland Anglican Church Hall, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge South, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge North, Halifax Dr. Samuel Prince Manor, Halifax Dr. Samuel Prince Manor, Halifax Dr. Samuel Prince Manor, Halifax Poll 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028 029

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 25 5 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 1 3 21 Rejected Ballots*** 60 25 25 19 28 18 36 39 118 201 206 1,666 NSLP Rod WilsonRod 1 1 4 4 4 0 2 6 2 16 21 161 GPNS Thomas Trappenberg 68 62 39 33 58 15 27 37 155 246 363 2,519 NSNDP 28-Halifax Needham District Electoral Lisa Roberts Lisa 3 36 65 15 24 14 35 28 62 24 74 600 Statement of Official Results 83 59 48 170 154 114 101 307 528 103 667 Total 4,967 Votes** Total 354 484 487 332 386 383 253 List* Electors on Official 2016 2016 , August August Returning OfficerReturning Polling Location Dr. Samuel Prince Manor, Halifax St. of Margaret Scotland Anglican Church Hall, Halifax Philae Temple, Halifax Philae Temple, Halifax Philae Temple, Halifax L Roach Centre Building, Edward - Northwood Halifax Halifax Manor, Northwood Mi'kmaw FriendshipCentre, Halifax AcadiaSquare Lodge North, Halifax 2700 RobieSt, Halifax 2700 RobieSt, Halifax day of day I certify that the foregoing statement is the correct result of the polling at the election held on on held election the at statement foregoing the correct the that is of result polling the I certify 30th 30th * Electors on the Official List does not include any changes on election day on election changes includeany not does List Official on the Electors * ballots including Votes rejected Total ** counted not but cast ballots those are Ballots Rejected *** Poll 030 031 032 033 034 035 Mobile1 036 Mobile2 ADV1 ADV2 WI CP

26 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA APPENDIX D By-election Brochure

Halifax Needham By-election August 30, 2016 16/08/22

) (Toll free in Nova Scotia) in Nova free (Toll (Toll ) Free (HRM) (TTY (Fax) www.electionsnovascotia.ca Returning Office Halifax Needham 2700 Robie Street, Halifax 902-484-3484 1-800-565-1504 902-424-7475 1-866-774-7074 902-424-6622 [email protected] or visit 7037 Mumford Road, Suite 6 7037 Mumford Scotia B3J 3C8 2246, Halifax, Nova PO Box 902-424-8584 Third Party Election Advertising Election advertising is a message that takes position to promote or oppose the election of a candidate in the by-election, including by naming them; showing their likeness; identifying them by respective political affiliation; or taking a position on an issue with which they are associated. It can be for radio, the Internet or any other type television, newspaper, buttons, clothing, or other things of media. Campaign that identify the users as supporters or opponents of any recognized political party or candidate also can be types of election advertising. A third party is an individual or group that not a or an electoral candidate, a registered political party, district association. A third party is not directly example, a third party involved in an election. For can be a corporation, trade union or another group interested in the outcome of election. A third party must register with Elections Nova Scotia within seven days after it spends more than $500 on election advertising. spend may party third a amount the to limits are There in a by-election and rules about who may contribute more information and to register, and how much. For visit the Elections Nova Scotia website or call our office.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HALIFAX NEEDHAM BY-ELECTION • VOL 1 27 Voting in Residential Centres Voting your returning officer will make On election day, arrangements for a mobile poll to visit seniors’ institutionsother and facilities care long-term residences, with 10 or more resident electors. If you live in a residential centre with fewer than 10 residents, your returning officer will make arrangements with the facility administrator for a write-in ballot team to visit your residence to assist you vote before election day. the administrator of your facility for more Contact information on the date and time. Electors Living in a Shelter If you are temporarily staying in a shelter or need the Scotia Nova Elections contact anonymity, of protection You can or your local returning office for assistance. vote with the assistance of a write-in ballot team and your name and location will be held in confidence. Absentee Electors Eligible Nova Scotia electors resident in Halifax Needham who are living or on vacation temporarily outside Nova Scotia can vote by mail. After the election has been called, visit the Elections Nova Scotia website or contact us by phone for an application to vote by write-in ballot. Don’t wait initiate this have your vote counted, completed process. To ballot must be received at your local returning office by close of polls (8 pm) on election day. Qualified Nova Scotia electors who are resident in Halifax Needham, and who are away on duty aboard or base in Canada, Armed Forces ship, at a Canadian or incarcerated may also vote serving out of country, by write-in ballot. The time-lines for voting by write-in ballot are tight. and relatives are asked to advise eligible Friends electors to apply for a write-in ballot, and alert them to the key dates for applying and returning their ballots. 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 8 pm 9 am to 8 pm 9 am to 6 pm ...... make an appointment through your returning office for a write-in ballot team to visit your home and assist you with voting by write-in ballot; or, care giver or family member, ask a neighbour, friend 16 years or older to act as your agent by applying for and voting by write-in ballot. Early voting opportunities Advance Polls those of you who wish to vote before election For you may vote every day except Sundays. Advance day, August 20, to Saturday, polls are open from Saturday, August 27...... August 20, 2016 Saturday, ...... August 22, 2016 Monday, ...... August 23, 2016 Tuesday, ...... August 24, 2016 Wednesday, ...... August 25, 2016 Thursday, August 26, 2016 Friday, Saturday, August 27, 2016 Saturday, Find the nearest advance poll by checking Voter you received in the mail or visit Information Card Elections Nova Scotia website at electionsnovascotia.ca or contact us by phone at 902-424-8584 1-800-565-1504. at the Returning Office Voting can vote at your returning office from 9 am to You 6 pm every day except Sundays, up to and including election day. Ballot) from Home (Write-in Voting If you cannot get to your polling location or returning office, or if you feel need help, there are two options open to you: • • your returning office or Elections Nova Scotia at Call 902-424-8584 or 1-800-565-150 for more information on these options. August 30, 2016 , we sent you in the Information Card check the Voter mail; enter your address in the Where Do I Vote? application on Elections Nova Scotia’s website at electionsnovascotia.ca ; OR phone Elections Nova Scotia at 902-424-8584 or 1-800-565-1504 from 8 am to pm. There are three ways find out the location of where you go to vote on election day • • • Where Do I Vote Where Do I Vote On election day Most voters will vote on election day, Accessibility Polling locations will have level access for wheelchairs, and tools services to assist those who have vision or hearing difficulties. If you have a disability and need assistance in voting, check with your returning office ahead of time to make arrangements. In the rare event your assigned polling location does not have the facilities you need, the returning office will provide with an alternate voting location.

28 ELECTIONS NOVA SCOTIA