Elections NL says the counting of special ballots for the provincial election will begin the week of March 1st.

Officials say that process will continue into the week of March 15th, which is after the deadline to mail the voting kits back to Elections NL.

They’re also reminding the public that voting kits must be postmarked on or before Friday, March 12 in order to be counted.

Elections NL says its call centre continues to field many questions about whether ballot applications have been received, but they say they would not contact voters for that reason. They say the only reason Elections NL would contact an applicant now would be to request more information on an application, such as confirming a mailing address or name change.

Officials also say special ballot applications are being processed as quickly as possible, adding voting kits will continue to be mailed this week and into next week.

“I would like to assure all special ballot applicants that every request for a special ballot received by Elections NL will be processed and voting kits will be issued,” said Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk.