Saskatoon woman has beef with Elections Canada website

A Saskatoon woman says technical problems with the Elections Canada website are adding a layer of difficulty for voters.

Amanda Hawkins said she didn't receive her voter information card, which she said was strange because she voted in the last election. 

"I checked the Elections Canada website. It said I wasn't registered," she said.

Hawkins tried again several times over the course of two days to register, "and each time it rejected my application and it wouldn't register me." 

She went to the Elections Canada office on the city's west side, on 11 St. W. — a location she said is out of the way.

"Like there's only one little bus route that goes out there, so for people who have a harder time with mobility, who have the same questions I did, it's almost impossible to get out there."

But once she arrived at the office, things turned around.

"They were very helpful at the office actually," Hawkins said. 

She was, in fact, registered, and allowed to vote right there on the spot. But Hawkins said she still has concerns.

"It just seems like there are so many people with questions who are finding it difficult because their voter information is wrong, or they haven't gotten their card or they just don't know where to go or what to do. It's pretty discouraging."

Marie-France Kenny, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, acknowledged the technical problems, but said most people are doing fine with the electronic registration.

"It's a new system. Of course we are aware that there are some problems. And we're trying to fix those as quick as we can," she said.

"The vast majority of citizens are able to register online or update or verify that they are registered."

Kenny noted that in previous elections, people had to go to local offices instead of having an online tool they can use from home. 

"But I understand absolutely that it can be frustrating," Kenny said. 

She said Elections Canada is working hard to correct the problems. Kenny also suggested people call the office first before going directly, just in case they have to bring documents to verify their identity.