September 17, 2013

Reports of Telephone Survey Calls Leading to Misinformation

Elections Nova Scotia has received information that residents in the electoral district of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River have received calls from a survey firm reportedly located in Toronto.  The calls ask questions about preference and provide a list of candidates to the respondents.  The name they provide for the Liberal candidate is incorrect.

The Liberal nominated candidate for the electoral district is Barry Mellish.  Mr. Mellish is concerned that the misinformation may lead to confusion for electors particularly for the returning office polls underway.  The returning office poll requires the voter to write-in the name of the candidate or party they support.

“We recommend that if a voter is unsure of the name of the candidate, they write in the name of the party they wish to support to avoid an error,” said Richard Temporale, Chief Electoral Officer.

Elections nova Scotia is continuing an investigation of this complaint.

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For further information, contact:

Dana Phillip Doiron

Director, Policy and Communications

902-424-3275