Elections Saskatchewan taking applications for voting by mail

A new online tool was launched Monday to help people who want to vote by mail in the 2020 Saskatchewan election.

Voting by mail is an alternative to casting a ballot in person on election day or during the five days of advance voting.

“During these uncertain times, we want to make sure the public knows about this additional option for voting, particularly to those who feel there is a health risk,” Dr. Michael Boda, the chief electoral officer of Saskatchewan, said in a media release.

“We’ve hired additional staff to handle the anticipated increase of vote by mail applications. But deadlines are involved so voters should apply now.”

Voting by mail has been offered in previous Saskatchewan elections, but only one per cent of those who cast ballots took advantage of the option during the 2016 provincial election.

The first step in the process is to apply for a vote by mail ballot through the online tool launched Monday. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15, but voters are encouraged to apply well in advance of that date.

Voters also can call 1-877-958-8683 and ask to have an application mailed to them. After completing the form, applicants can scan and email it to absenteeballots@elections.sk.ca, or they can mail or personally deliver it to the Elections Saskatchewan head office in Regina.

After the application is approved, a voting kit including a ballot and a postage-paid envelope will be sent to the voter. Those are to be mailed in late September and can be returned as soon as they’re received.

For more information, visit www.elections.sk.ca.