Preparing for the 41st Provincial General Election

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elections Nova Scotia anticipates more voters than ever before may choose to vote by mail using a write-in ballot when the 41st provincial general election is called.

What you need to know about voting by Write-in Ballot

• You must be an eligible voter in Nova Scotia – 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen, and have lived in Nova Scotia for six month or more from the day the election is called
• You must first apply in order to vote by write-in ballot when the election is called – you can apply before an election is called (please see application information below)
• Once the election has been called and your application has been processed by Elections Nova Scotia, you will receive your write-in ballot kit with instructions on how to fill it out and return it
• During the election, you must vote by write-in ballot (instead of at an in-person voting location) once your kit has been issued
• If you need assistance applying early for a write-in ballot, you can contact Elections Nova Scotia (1-800-565-1504)
• When you receive it, your write-in ballot kit will include important information about how to fill it out, deadlines to return it, and how to get assistance if you need it

Apply Early for a Write-in Ballot

You can apply for a write-in ballot before the election is called on-line or using a paper form.

Click here if you would like to apply now for a write-in ballot to be sent to you when the election is called.

Please note: As the 41st provincial general election has not yet been called all applications will be reviewed, but write-in ballot kits can only be released after the election has been called.

It is important to be aware of the deadlines to return your completed write-in ballot kit so it can be counted. Details about the deadlines will be updated here once the election has been called.

Completing Your Write-in Ballot

See this brochure for information on completing a write-in ballot kit when it is sent to you during the election:

COVID Precautions for the 41st Provincial General Election

Elections Nova Scotia worked with Public Health to determine what infection control precautions are needed to ensure the safety and confidence of voters, election workers, candidates, and their campaign teams during the 41st provincial general election.

Please click here to view Elections Nova Scotia’s plan for COVID precautions at in-person voting locations that was reviewed and approved by Public Health.

For your safety the following precautions will be in place at all voting locations:

• All election workers will receive COVID-19 specific training before working
• There will be additional election workers assigned for cleaning
• Voting stations will be disinfected between every voter
• Frequently touched areas such as doorknobs will be disinfected every 5 minutes, and weather permitting entrance and exit doors will be kept open to encourage voters NOT to touch the door at all
• Election workers will keep track of the occupancy of the voting location, to make sure that the maximum occupancy is not exceeded
• There will be a tabletop shield between voters and the election worker
• Election workers will sanitize their hands between serving voters
• Election workers will minimize hand-to-hand contact with voters by touching their documents (i.e., Voter Information Card VIC, IDs, etc.) as little as possible
• Election workers will wear a mask inside the voting location and workers who are not behind a tabletop shield will be provided a face shield
• Election workers will only process one voter at a time, to minimize contact and allow for proper disinfecting procedures between voters

Before visiting a voting location, please remember to:

• Bring your non-medical mask
• Bring your own pen, along with your identification
• Maintain good personal hygiene (e.g., handwashing, not touching your face, etc.)
• If you are feeling unwell, do not come to a voting location

When visiting a voting location:

• • You are asked to wear a mask at all times in the voting location
  • If you forget your personal mask, there will be a supply of disposable masks at the voting location
  • You will be asked to sanitize your hands at the entrance and exit
  • There will be hand sanitizer available at tables throughout the voting location, at entrances and exits, and at voting stations

li>You will be asked to obey physical distancing requirements inside and outside the voting location

• To mark your ballot, you will be provided your own individual pencil, which will be discarded by an election worker after use

We appreciate your cooperation and consideration to keep our voting locations safe.

More information on the COVID-19 precautions planned for the 41st Provincial General Election is available in the frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Safe Voting Options

There will be many options available to vote safely during the 41st Provincial General Election. Although the election has not been called, it is important for voters to learn about their safe voting options to be prepared.

Voters will be able to vote by mail using a write-in ballot or vote safely in-person before election day at any returning office or early voting location in the province. On election day, voters will be able to vote safely in-person at their assigned voting location or the returning office in their district.

You are encouraged to consider the safe voting option that is right for you and plan to vote early or vote by mail using a write-in ballot to help flatten the curve. For more information on your safe voting options, visit the How can I vote section of this website.