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ACCESS TO VOTING RIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS
A-
(2006: A-)
Absentee mail-in voting is allowed in the Northwest Territories, having replaced proxy voting.
Special ballots are available from the frst day of the election period until 4:00 p.m. on the Saturday before polling
day (polling day is always on a Monday). Voters may request a special ballot from their returning ofcer in person,
by telephone (collect calls will be accepted), fax or mail. The ballot is sent to the voter, which then must be com-
pleted and sent back to the returning ofcer. The returning ofcer must receive special ballots by the close of polls
(8:00 p.m.) on election day. Territorial general elections must be held at least every four years; the next election
must be called by October 2012.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Set no deadline for application, but instead clearly communicate the last day by which special
ballot applications should be received in order to ensure that they receive the special ballots in sufcient time to
send them back. Allow e-mail applications for special ballots. Accept mail-in ballots that have been post-marked
prior to the close of the polls. Fix election dates so travellers can plan accordingly (also recommended by the N.W.T.
chief electoral ofcer).
AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
C
(2006: C)
The Northwest Territories publishes limited health information for travellers in two separate documents. One pub-
lication, Travelling? What You Should Know, only discusses the territorial coverage for out of country health emer-
gencies. This brochure could beneft from being more comprehensive by including some of the residency infor-
mation contained in the brochure Your Health Care Benefts. Neither of these documents mentions the territory’s
policy on prescription medication or the fact that the territory will reimburse drug plan members for prescriptions
required while abroad. Both of these publications are now available on-line in PDF format.
Elections NWT makes good information on the special ballot available on-line but there should be a clear link from
the home page. Further, no printable application form is available. The website is outdated.
Change since last report:
Health brochures are now available online.
Recommendations:
Create a comprehensive brochure of medical information for travellers by merging both pam-
phlets and including information for users of the territory’s drug program. Better identify the location of informa-
tion on special-ballot voting and include a printable online application.
2006 B
Grade