This election fiasco tells me that a lot of things are not right at Elections NL. The voters of Newfoundland and Labrador need to see that the problems are identified and fixed and that those responsible are held accountable. The people need to be able to have confidence in their election system.
For starters, I offer three issues to investigate. First, why was a solution to a worst-case scenario not developed well in advance of the election? It’s likely too late for this election, but there is certainly plenty of time for the next one. Who knows, maybe the new plan will mean more interested citizens will be able to participate in future elections.
Why was a solution to a worst-case scenario not developed well in advance of the election?
Second, why do we continue to have a disconnection between the voter list and the mailing labels? For the second election in a row, my partner received a yellow election notification card and I did not. Same thing happened in the last election to others sharing the same residence and name for years. My guess is that it’s probably a simple software issue, not anything more complicated. I did share my concerns with Elections NL after the last election.
Third, how can we ensure the quality of the voter list? I know it’s challenging to keep track of so many people, but that’s why we have computers. The harder part is ensuring that policies guarantee all eligible voters a reasonable path to casting a ballot, not just the ones who have an internet connection and know how to use it.
Lastly, however this election turns out, the “winning” party cannot honestly say they have a mandate when so many voters have been disenfranchised.
Gloria Montano,
St. John’s
