Differences between Canadian and N.L. election processes not clear for some voters

With Newfoundlanders and Labradorians flexing their democratic muscles federally and provincially within six weeks, the people running the elections say some voters are getting them mixed up.

Voting for the Oct. 19 federal election is overseen by Elections Canada. The Nov. 30 provincial vote is administered by Elections Newfoundland and Labrador.

Scott McLean, manager of voter registry with Elections Newfoundland and Labrador, says his office has been getting calls from potential voters who aren't clear on the difference between the two organizations.

"There are significant challenges over voter confusion of election candidates and deadlines," he said. "We do get people in our office looking for info from Elections Canada."

McLean said while the two groups are generally independent of each other, they do use the misguided calls as a chance to sign up new voters for the Nov. 30 vote — and vice versa.

"We also chose to look at this as an opportunity actually, while they are on the phone, to make sure they are on our list," he said.

"When individuals call Elections Canada looking for provincial information, they also refer them to us."

He estimates that out of about 200 calls Elections Newfoundland and Labrador gets per day, about five per cent are from people looking for federal election information. 

Complicating matters for many potential voters is a significant change in electoral boundaries since the last election.

McLean said he encourages people to call to make sure they are clear on where they are supposed to cast their ballot. 

Special voting is currently underway for the provincial election, even though many districts still do not have candidates.

Voters who cast their vote in a district without a declared candidate can just choose the party, without an associated individual's name.

As well, McLean said if people vote in the federal election, they shouldn't just assume they will be accounted for provincially. Six weeks isn't enough time for Elections Canada to get that information to Elections Newfoundland and Labrador.