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Saskatoon’s Elections Office is admitting that there have been some noticeable hiccups for some voters during the online application process.
According to Returning Officer Scott Bastian, there have so far been more than 14,000 applications, and they’re still averaging about 500 applications per day.
It’s an unprecedented demand and Bastian says it’s the also the first time that the online application process has been offered.
Speaking with 650 CKOM’s John Gormley, Bastian says they’re trying to improve the situation.
“We have scaled up the team considerably, for people that are reviewing the applications and then extended the hours that the team is working on reviewing and approving or rejecting, based on the application and then preparing all of the mail-in ballot packages.”
In a news release, Bastian also writes, “We recognize there are improvements to make in future elections.”
It’s not just that there have been online issues for some applicants, but also that some of those applications are incomplete when they’re sent, and are then rejected.
“If a field was left blank, if a signature wasn’t provided, if ID wasn’t provided, or the witness declaration for example, ” explained Bastian.
But he assures residents that if the application packages are filled out properly and approved, they will get one in the mail.
The deadline to apply for a ballot package is October 30. The ballots must be received by the City by 8 p.m. election night. It can not be en route in the mail, nor can it be delivered after that time.
According to Bastian, some people might not get their ballots though, until after Nov. 2, which doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be delivered by mail in time.
In that case, he says plan to drop off the ballot at the Election Office (226 Cardinal Crescent) before 8 p.m. There may be other civic facilities designated as drop off locations as well, in the coming days.
And if someone’s ballot has been rejected, they can vote in person at the advance polls from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, which will also include a drive-through option on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 422-46th St. East, in the North Industrial Area.
There’s also voting day, Nov. 9 when residents can also cast their ballots. For more information on voting, go to the city’s website.
