Elections Newfoundland and Labrador has announced plans to refund out-of-province voters who need to use courier services to cast their special ballots in the upcoming provincial election. Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, voters residing outside the province are facing challenges in sending their ballots via traditional mail.
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador living in other parts of Canada revealed that Elections N.L. initially informed them that they would have to bear the cost of courier services to send their ballots. For example, Maria O’Neill, a student in Antigonish, N.S., shared that what was supposed to be a $34 expense ended up exceeding $100 at a local shipping center.
However, in response to the concerns raised, Elections N.L. clarified in an email statement to CBC News that they would reimburse the courier costs if the ballots are returned by the October 11 deadline. Affected voters are requested to email a photo of their courier receipt to electionfinance@electionsnl.ca, with reimbursement to be provided via cheque upon receipt of the vote.
O’Neill mentioned that she promptly mailed her ballot after receiving the email but expressed apprehension about whether all voters would have equal opportunities to do the same. She pointed out that her chosen shipping method does not operate on weekends and raised concerns about voters in western Canada not being able to meet the deadline.
Expressing that the decision to reimburse voters should have been made earlier, O’Neill highlighted the need for better preparedness in light of past Canada Post strikes. The provincial election is scheduled for October 14, with residents set to cast their votes on that day.
