25
The Canadian Snowbird Association • www.snowbirds.org • 1-800-265-3200
ACCESS TO VOTING RIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS
B
(2006: C)
Absentee mail-in balloting is permitted in New Brunswick. Applications for a special ballot can be downloaded
from the chief electoral ofcer’s website and submitted in person, by mail or by fax. According to the chief elec-
toral ofcer, the special ballot process was not primarily designed for absentee voters but for voters confned to
their homes (the process allows a friend or relative to take the marked ballot to the returning ofce). Thus, there is
no deadline to apply for special ballots, but the marked ballot must be returned three days prior to Election Day.
Change since last report:
Adopted fxed election date law. The next provincial election will be held on
September 27, 2010.
Recommendations:
If necessary, create separate processes that refect the unique, diferent needs of absentee
voters and home-confned voters. Allow applications for absentee ballots to be made via e-mail. While not setting
a frm deadline, clearly communicate the last day by which absentee voters’ applications should be received in
order to ensure that they receive the ballots in sufcient time to send them back. Accept mail-in ballots that have
been post-marked prior to the close of polls.
AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
C
(2006: C)
New Brunswick produces a brochure entitled New Brunswick Medicare Plan, which includes good, but incomplete,
information for travellers. Content includes emergency coverage for those travelling outside the country and the
residency requirements required to retain health benefts. However, there is no mention of options for travellers
who need coverage for more than a 100-day supply of prescription drugs. The province follows the good practice
of mailing this brochure to residents along with their Blue Cross notices, but it is not available on-line. New Bruns-
wick’s electoral website gives inadequate information for travellers or others who wish to participate in distance
voting. Information on special mail-in voting is found in an “FAQ” (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the 2006
Provincial Elections section. The information that is available is minimal at best.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Make the health information brochure easily accessible on-line and produce a dedicated,
comprehensive health brochure for travellers. Provide full and user-friendly information for distance voting on the
chief electoral ofcer’s website. Create a page dedicated to distance voting and place easily-identifed links on the
home page and elsewhere.
2006 C-
Grade