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ACCESS TO VOTING RIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS
B
(2006: B-)
Mail-in voting is permitted in Manitoba. A very helpful policy allows applications for an absentee ballot to be sub-
mitted even before an election has been called; names will be placed on the absentee voters’ registry and then,
during the election campaign, forwarded to returning ofcers who will issue absentee blank ballot kits. In order to
apply before the election is called a voter must be leaving Manitoba for at least one month.
During an election campaign, a voter must apply directly to the returning ofcer in his or her home electoral divi-
sion. Addresses for returning ofces will be published in all local newspapers, or can be obtained by contacting
Elections Manitoba.
The application form can be downloaded on-line and returned by mail or fax. Applications cannot be made over
the phone. Elections Manitoba will then send a ballot kit by mail.
Manitoba now has a set date for General Elections. The frst set date election is planned for October 4, 2011. Follow-
ing that, a general election must be held on the frst Tuesday in October in the fourth calendar year after election
day for the last general election.
Elections Manitoba recommends you apply for an absentee ballot by the second Friday before election day.
All applications must be received by the Saturday prior to election day. The deadline to return an absentee ballot
to the returning ofcer is 8:00 p.m. on election day.
Change since last report:
Manitoba has adopted our recommendation to move to fxed election dates. The next
provincial election will be held on June 14, 2011.
Recommendations:
Remove voter responsibility for delivery of the ballot kit if the application is received be-
tween 11 and three days prior to the election; otherwise, ensure that explanatory materials clearly state the voter’s
responsibility. Allow applications for absentee ballots to be made by phone or e-mail. Accept mail-in ballots that
have been post-marked prior to the close of polls.
AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
A
(2006: A)
Manitobans who travel can make use of a good government pamphlet called the InfoHealth Guide. The guide
provides great information on residency and portability, along with telephone numbers for more information on
items such as allowable drug quantities. Also available is an additional pamphlet, Leaving Manitoba, with more
condensed information on out-of-province health coverage. Both pamphlets are available through health ministry
ofces or on-line.
Elections Manitoba has excellent absentee voting information available on-line including clear, stand-alone links,
instructions and printable application forms. They also produce a useful pamphlet that summarizes information
and provides contact information.
Change since last report:
Detailed voter information on the government move to fxed election dates.
Recommendations
:
None.
2006 B
Grade