Saskatoon records lowest voter turnout in 20 years

A relentless snowstorm and a global pandemic are two possible reasons Saskatoon recorded its lowest voter turnout for a civic election in 20 years.

Official results from the City of Saskatoon on Tuesday said 27.4 per cent of eligible voters, or 58,734 total ballots, were cast during the election earlier this month.

Plenty of warning of an incoming snowstorm as well as an emphasis on advance voting saw a near even-split between in-person voting and advance polling.

Between advance voting and mail-in voting, 28,266 votes were tallied ahead of time. On Monday, 20,906 ballots were cast before the election was postponed until Friday, where another 8,532 ballots were cast for a total of 29,438 to make the difference between in-person and advance just 1,172 ballots.

“Given the environmental challenges confronted, voters went to the polls,” Returning Officer Scott Bastian said in a news release.

“This election was held during a pandemic and then a severe winter storm rolled over Saskatoon leading into election day. Through it all, an important part was to adjust and comply with provincial legislation and orders. Options were provided to voters that fit within boundaries of the law.”

In 2016, voter turnout was at 40.09 per cent.

The last time a similar voter turnout was recorded was in 2000 when 26.4% of eligible voters cast ballots.

Bastian acknowledged the challenges of the election, including long lineups at advance polls and a new online mail-in ballot application process where more than a quarter of all applications were denied.

Bastian will report to council in early 2021 to outline the election process, it’s successes and challenges, as well as planning for future elections.

“There will be an opportunity to explore facets of the 2020 election with the election office and perhaps in conjunction with other municipalities in Saskatchewan and Elections Saskatchewan,” Bastian said.

With a variety of unique problems thrown at him and his team of workers, Bastian said everyone involved in the election deserves praise for their efforts.

“I want to thank all the dedicated election workers who worked advance polls and in care homes and hospitals, carefully following COVID-19 safety protocols, and to those who braved a snowstorm on Monday to open the polls, as well as those who were available again Friday, November 13 to ensure the postponed day went ahead successfully,” he said.

There are 214,301 eligible voters in Saskatoon.