Elections NL is looking at options to allow people who are in self-isolation to vote. The deadline for special ballots has passed, leaving many people without an opportunity to cast a ballot.
Election Day is fast approaching and Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk says they are reviewing possibilities.
Premier Andrew Furey meanwhile is resisting a growing number of calls to cancel or postpone Saturday’s provincial election.
That’s despite 11 new cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday and the first confirmation of community spread in the metro area.
The spread has also resulted in about a thousand people having to either self-isolate or quarantine, meaning they could miss the opportunity to vote.
Furey says while the new COVID numbers are a concern, the province remains the envy of other jurisdictions.
He says he has every confidence in public health officials to navigate the election safely, adding he hopes the virus doesn’t have a significant impact on the election.
Seniors and others with mobility issues or no transportation will also be affected on voting day after health officials advised against accepting rides from parties or anyone else outside their bubble or household.
Meanwhile, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald also attempted to allay concerns over voting in schools, saying the buildings are not the issue.
She says having the polling station in any building is no riskier this week over last week, as long as all public health measures are followed.
While public health has been in touch with elections officials, Furey says the final decision on whether to cancel or postpone the election rests with the Chief Electoral Officer.