An election without rallies or baby-kissing: New Brunswick vote a pandemic first

FREDERICTON — Voters in New Brunswick head to the polls Monday in the country’s first provincial election since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and lessons learned may provide a template for future campaigns.

Donald Wright, a political scientist at the University of New Brunswick says there was no baby-kissing, barbecues or large rallies that usually mark an election campaign.

Chief electoral officer Kim Poffenroth says she’s been in touch with colleagues across the country to discuss election planning during the pandemic, including Saskatchewan, which is scheduled to go to the polls in late October.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs says public health restrictions prevented large gatherings and prompted the parties to concentrate much of their efforts on social media.

Green Leader David Coon says his party often used a truck as a portable stage and added music in an effort to encourage people to approach and discuss the issues.

Some Liberal and New Democrat candidates did campaign door-to-door while wearing a mask and maintaining a distance from doorways.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2020.

The Canadian Press