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ACCESS TO VOTING RIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS
C
(2006: C)
Nova Scotia permits absentee mail-in balloting. An absentee ballot must be requested from the returning ofcer
10 days before Election Day, in order to allow time for the write-in ballot to be mailed to the voter and returned to
the returning ofce before the close of polls on Election Day. Election rules do not state that an original signature
is required for an application for mail-in balloting so faxes are acceptable. The elector must ensure that the write-in
ballot is received by the returning ofce by the time that the polls close on Election Day. Provincial general elec-
tions must occur at least every fve years; the next election must be called by June 2014.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Allow applications for mail-in ballots to be made via e-mail. Eliminate the 10-day deadline and
replace it with a clear communication of 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. Fix election dates so travellers can plan accordingly.
AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
D+
(2006: D+)
Nova Scotia produces a fact sheet that gives frequent travellers good information on how tomaintain health cover-
age; the fact sheet is available on-line. Nova Scotia also produces Insured Health Services in Nova Scotia, a pamphlet
containing some basic information for travellers. The publication explains that some coverage will be provided to
travellers requiring emergency services, but is vague on the residency requirements necessary to retain access to
health benefts. Telephone contact numbers for more information are provided.
The Elections Nova Scotia website has expanded and improved the section on distance voting (confrming that it
is an option and listing the deadlines for the request and return of mail-in ballots). The information is not promi-
nently displayed and takes some work to locate. Nonetheless, this is a small improvement from 2006.
Change since last report:
Good information about mail-in voting and mail-in ballot application can now be found
on-line.
Recommendations:
Produce a comprehensive brochure designed for travellers and ensure that this information
is readily available in government ofces and travel ofces and is easily accessible on-line. Provide more informa-
tion on distance voting on a special page of the Elections Nova Scotia website, with clear and easily-accessed links
including from the home page.
2006 B-
Grade