Saskatchewan New Democrats will choose a new leader a little sooner than expected.
The original date to elect a new leader was set for May 6 of next year. Party members voted Saturday in Moose Jaw to change the date to March 3 instead.
The deadline to enter the race is now Jan. 12 with the deadline to purchase a membership to be eligible to vote in the leadership being Jan. 19.
There are a number of requirements for those looking to run for the leadership of the NDP, including being in good standing as a member of the NDP.
Other requirements include providing 200 signatures from other NDP members in good standing who support the individuals bid for leadership and who represent at least 40 per cent of Saskatchewan’s constituencies. Of those 200 signatures, at least 100 must be women.
Candidates also need to provide a $40,000 non-refundable registration fee and their campaign expenses must not exceed $200,000.
The last thing the candidate will need before running for the leadership is the approval of the NDP.
Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon and Saskatoon Meewasin MLA Ryan Meili are two names in the running for the NDP leadership.