Melfort calls for election date change

George added Melfort sent the province a letter to that effect some time ago.

He added a November election date is also too late in the season, pointing to the snowstorm in November of 2020 that shut part of the province down, and significantly reduced voter turnout.

“If there’s a election for mayor, we can get around 50 to 55 per cent (voter turnout),” he said. “We had 26 per cent because of the big snowstorm.”

Melfort is not alone. SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association) has sent letters reminding cities and towns that this may be their last chance to get the date moved. The provincial government will be voting on changes to the Local Government Election Act this spring.

SUMA surveyed more than 400 municipalities in its membership. Most want the election date moved, although there are different opinions as to when. Many towns would prefer a September date and many cities would like the spring.

However, the provincial government insists there needs to be agreement.

“The provincial government’s message to stakeholders was they should agree on one common date before a change in local election dates would be considered,” said a January 30 statement from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations.

“At this time, municipal election dates will remain unchanged to maintain consistency among all municipalities in Saskatchewan,” it added.

However, many communities are still hoping the province will have a change of heart.

“November elections are just no good in this country,” George said.

—

doug.lett@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @DougLettSK

by Doug Lett

Melfort calls for election date change

What's Trending