The province’s Chief Electoral Officer says the final decision on whether or not to halt or postpone an election rests with him.

There are 13 active cases of COVID-19 in the province at this time, five of which are part of a cluster that have no known source.

That’s prompted some to ask at what point, should the case count continue to climb, would consideration be given to halting or postponing the election.

Chief Electoral Officer, Bruce Chaulk says he’s been in regular contact with Dr. Fitzgerald’s office since last March when the pandemic began and says he has the authority to consider changes if they are warranted.

Ultimately, he’s the only one with the authority to move an election, and if Dr. Fitzgerald indicates that a change is needed then he can make the decision to do so.

In the meantime, all precautions are being taken by Elections NL to ensure that in-person voting is carried out safely.