There was poor communication between city hall and some seniors’ homes recently about when these locations would host special municipal election polls.
Some seniors reached out to the Moose Jaw Express to say they did not know what time their building would host the special polls. They were particularly concerned after receiving an election flyer listing the locations where the special polls would take place on Oct. 31.
The City of Moose Jaw had listed the locations on its website for months but did not have times connected to each location, which frustrated and confused several residents even further.
To help these voters, a sales representative with the Express reached out to city hall early on Oct. 28 — three days before the special election — and asked for the times for the 15 venues. In response, officials said it would be easier to call those locations.
Some seniors’ buildings and care homes confirmed to the Express that they were unaware they were supposed to host these polls or were aware but didn’t know the time for their polls.
Capilano Court told the Express that city hall had months earlier set their poll for supper time. Management asked for a new time but didn’t hear back right away. It then called again on Oct. 28 and at 11:22 a.m. received a new poll time.
“They had a horrible (time) for us … so I called … our returning officer — again, today — and she gave us a different time,” said manager Joanne Folk, who noted that Capilano Court’s new time is now 3 to 4 p.m.
“The provincial election ran much more smoother here than this one’s going,” she laughed.
Communication from city hall was “quite good” initially, as city officials informed the organization in the summer that the municipal election was approaching. However, Folk continued, the time became “later and later” and Capilano Court heard nothing further.
“I don’t know, they’re just very unorganized,” she remarked. “And I know they’re very busy, but still, we’re looking at a couple of days from now, and I just got my time now.”
In comparison, Elections Saskatchewan called Capilano Court early, told the organization its time and date for advanced provincial polling, and then came in and ran things smoothly.
“Our civic election is much more complicated and I don’t know why,” Folk added with a laugh.
In an email to the Express, the City of Moose Jaw explained that it holds special polls to allow seniors to vote safely and cast their ballots with ease. City hall first notified locations in July and asked if they would host the 2020 municipal election. Since then, the clerk’s department has co-ordinated locations and times with all 15 venues.
“As you can appreciate, this is no simple task, taking into account required safety logistics due to COVID-19,” the municipality said, adding many locations required several levels of approval since some have management outside of Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan.
Setting up voting times also proved difficult, as there were scheduling conflicts, while some venues asked for new times, the email continued. The special poll schedule was designed based on previous experience at those locations in past elections. While each venue has one hour to vote, there is enough time between each poll to ensure everyone votes.
It wasn’t until the morning of Oct. 28 — before the Express sent its questions — that city hall published the times of special polls on its website and finalized polling locations, the email claimed.
“Our clerk’s department has gone to extreme measures to ensure multiple options for all residents to safely cast a ballot in the 2020 Election,” added the email. “Your suggestion that the city has tried to ‘suppress’ the vote of seniors is unfair and not based on fact.”
The official Election Day is Monday, Nov. 9.
