Extending referendum voting period still a possibility: Elections BC

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Legislation may have been tabled to try and end postal strikes, but Elections BC is still considering the possibility of extending the voting period for the upcoming referendum.

With just a week to go before electoral reform referendum ballots are due, Andrew Watson with Elections BC says they’re keeping an eye on the situation.

RELATED: British Columbians remain divided on electoral reform: poll

“We anticipate making a decision soon,” Watson adds. “We understand that the November 30th deadline is coming up now.”

Given how fluid the dispute between Canada Post and workers has been, he adds it’s unclear how things will progress over the next week.

WATCH: BC Referendum – What’s on the ballot?

 

“Our basis for extending the deadline is whether or not the job action at Canada Post would prevent a voter from participating through no fault of their own. As of today, voters can still put their completed referendum voting package in the mail,” Watson says.

As of Thursday, about 25 per cent of ballots from registered voters have been returned. Residents have until Nov. 30 for Elections BC to receive their ballot.

RELATED: Feds table legislation to end Canada Post strikes

Watson says while it’s possible for the deadline to be pushed, Elections BC would only like to do so only if it’s absolutely necessary.

“In order to change them we would need to issue what’s called an order of the Chief Electoral Officer, which can be done under extraordinary circumstances,” he says.

If the deadline is indeed pushed, Watson says Elections BC would like to do so only once.

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