FREDERICTON (GNB) – The nomination period for the May 10 elections for municipal council, district education council, and regional health authority boards opens on Monday, March 22, as municipal returning offices open to the public.
Chief Electoral Officer Kim Poffenroth is encouraging candidates to bring in their nomination papers well before the 2 p.m. deadline on Friday, April 9.
“Democracy is better served when electors have the option of choosing from a diverse field of candidates,” said Poffenroth. “We hope many people consider running for these important positions allowing them to give back in a very tangible and meaningful way to the communities in which they live, work and, in many cases, raise their families.”
In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, candidates who wish to meet with their local returning officer should call in advance to set up an appointment. Candidates can also submit their nomination papers electronically, by email or by fax.
Electors who wish to vote by mail in these elections can also apply for a vote-by-mail package starting on Monday. However, the vote-by-mail packages will only be sent out to those who applied once printed ballots are available, beginning on April 19. That is also the first day that electors can vote in-person at a returning office.
“Due to the complexity of the ballots used during municipal elections, voting at a returning office will only be possible once printed ballots are available on Monday, April 19,” said Poffenroth. “Unlike provincial elections, write-in-ballots are not available.”
Electors who wish to vote by mail can find more information about the process and apply by visiting the Vote by Mail section of Elections New Brunswick’s website.
19-03-21