See the section Student Voting.
Not less than 30 days and no more than 46 days from the date of the writ.
Information about Returning Officers is posted on this website. Follow this link for a list of current Returning Officers in the new 55 electoral districts.
Yes. You can vote at the Returning Office Poll, Advance Poll, or by Write-in Ballot.
We certainly respect your circumstances. You can still vote on election day. You will have to complete a Certificate to Vote. You can also vote at any Returning Office, Advance Poll , or by Write-in Ballot.
You can find your returning office using the ‘where do I vote’ tool.
Yes.
Yes. If you require assistance casting your vote you can have someone come behind the screen with you. Also, parents may bring a child with them to have them become familiar with the process.
Yes. Click here for more information.
Yes. They must vote by write-in ballot. See Incarcerated Voters.
Yes and no. You are entitled to have three consecutive hours available to vote while the polls are open on election day, but the time you take must respect your employer's needs.
The Deputy Returning Officer at the polling station will take note of how many people are still waiting to vote at 8:00pm. The polls may stay open until these people have voted. Anyone arriving after 8:00pm cannot vote.
If required, a separate polling division is created for one or more long-term care facilities. A Returning Officer can establish a mobile polling station which is like a "traveling polling station" which goes to each facility for no less than 3 hours to allow voting by electors at the facilities.
No. Section 168(2) of the Elections Act contemplates more than one official agent for a party but no equivalent provision is in the Elections Act for candidates. Section 170 - 171 of the Act speaks in terms of one person having this responsibility.
A registered party is a political party which has been registered by the Chief Electoral Officer under section 180 of the Elections Act.
There are five registered political parties in Nova Scotia. These are:
Green Party of Nova Scotia
Website: www.greenpartyns.ca
Nova Scotia Liberal Party
Website: www.liberal.ns.ca
Nova Scotia New Democratic Party
Website: www.nsndp.ca
Nova Scotians United
Website: www.nsunited.ca
Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia
Website: www.pcpartyns.ca
Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia - Effective April 30, 2024, the Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia voluntarily deregistered as a political party in Nova Scotia under Section 187 of the Elections Act.
Click here for a chart of the candidate and registered party spending limits and reimbursements for the 41st provincial general election .
After the date of the writ, but not if active voting is happening in the building in question, for example if a mobile poll is taking place there.
ENS may work with the candidate or representative in question to contact the relevant law enforcement if the candidate/representative is kept from entering the building.
The police officers with jurisdiction in the electoral district are responsible for assisting with the enforcement of the Act and may get involved if necessary.
They are not allowed access to university and college residences and long-term care centres because each room is considered a bedroom rather than a front door to separate apartments. In this case, canvasing door-to-door would be an invasion of personal space.
The candidate or their representative must contact the landlord directly to organize access to the building. ENS and election workers are not responsible for assisting candidates and their representatives to gain access to multi-unit buildings.
The candidate or their representative can and should provide the landlord with a copy of their letter from the CEO confirming their registration with ENS, or their candidate registration form (Form 1-1). They may also present landlords with a copy of the Campaign Access to Multi-unit Buildings Policy
Eligible candidates running in a provincial election who currently pay for child, spousal and/or elder care can apply for a rebate of the reasonable incremental costs that they have as a result of campaigning during the writ period. Incremental costs are those costs that are over and above expenses they normally pay for these services.
Yes, these costs would be considered incremental. A written explanation and attestation would be required to be submitted with the claim.
Yes, all candidates who are eligible for election expense reimbursement are also eligible for the CESP during the election period. The current reimbursement requirement under the Act that a candidate must receive no less than 10% of the valid votes cast applies to expenses covered under CESP.
Yes, these costs would be categorized separately in the election expense and will count toward the maximum permitted spending or reimbursable limits.
Yes, all costs incurred for a by-election or general election are published following the event. Candidate costs are reported separately in the publication and will include amounts paid under the CESP. Details are not disclosed publicly but are available for review at Elections Nova Scotia to any member of the public.
The eligible candidate would provide documentation of costs incurred for a reasonable period prior to the writ, then that weekly average would be used as the baseline for the calculation. Total costs incurred during the election with supporting documentation will substantiate the amount claimed by the candidate.
If Elections Nova Scotia receives questions about the reasonableness of an expense submitted under the CESP, staff will contact the official agent of the candidate for clarification. Ultimately, if an amount cannot be agreed upon, the CEO will decide.
Only costs incurred during the writ period will be considered for the CESP.
From the time the writ is issued until close of polls at 8:00pm on election day.
Any individual who provides the service and who you pay at market rate to for those services can provide care. This can include a family member who does not normally charge the candidate for these services. All costs must be substantiated with invoices or time logs including hours and dollar amount. Proof of payment must also be provided.
Processing of all election expense reimbursements, including CESP, will be completed as financial reports are submitted and are normally done within two months of receipt. Financial reports are due no later than 90 days after election day.
This is open based on the nature of the disability; examples of incremental costs are:
The following are examples of reasonable expenses that could be claimed under the CESP:
Example 1: Candidate X normally pays $250 per week for childcare expenses that cover the hours of 8AM to 6PM for five days per week. During the writ period, Candidate X also pays for childcare four additional evenings per week plus 16 hours on the weekend. These additional costs total 32 hours per week at a cost of $640. In total Candidate X now pays $890 per week for childcare. Upon submission of supporting documentation (dates, name of care provider, hours worked, charge per hour, total cost paid), Elections Nova Scotia would reimburse an eligible candidate X for 100% of the additional childcare costs of $640.
Example 2: Candidate X rents a vehicle for campaigning during the election. The normal cost for 30 days is $500, and the cost to modify for wheelchair accessibility is $250. In this case the $500 is a normal election cost and the $250 is a new incremental cost to be claimed under the CESP. In this example, if Candidate X received less than 10% of the valid votes, therefore they are not eligible for any of these election expense reimbursement.
Example 3: Eligible candidate X is a single mother of two elementary school aged children who doesn’t normally pay for childcare but needs to pay for coverage during the writ period for after school evenings and weekends to be able to run a campaign. These costs are incremental and would be covered under the CESP up to the candidate’s total election expense limit.
The deadline for choosing how your name will appear on the ballot is the same as the deadline for submitting your Candidate Nomination form (F105).
Yes.
Yes, accents regularly found in English or French will appear in your name on the ballot if they are included in the “Name as I Wish it to Appear on the Ballot” field of your Candidate Nomination form (F105).
No, you must indicate how you wish your name to appear on the ballot before the close of nominations. If you have a name so similar or identical to another candidate in your electoral district that it could cause confusion to electors, then the CEO will consult with you and said other candidate to determine how both your names will appear on the ballot.
The following is a list of examples of evidence that will be accepted as proof of a usual form of surname or single name. This list is not exhaustive and is meant as a guide to demonstrate the wide variety of evidence that will be accepted by Elections Nova Scotia.
Prior to the 41st provincial general election there were 51 elected MLAs in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly; one from each of the 51 electoral districts as determined by the 2012 Report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission. In the fall of 2019, House of Assembly legislated 55 electoral district boundaries as recommended by the Electoral Boundaries Commission. These 55 new district boundaries are now in effect.
An electoral district, often called a riding or constituency, is a geographical area whose residents are represented by one member in the House of Assembly. Electoral district boundaries are set out in the House of Assembly Act.
The current members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly were elected on the 2021 boundaries as defined by the 2019 Electoral Boundaries Commission. Follow this link for the results of the 41st provincial general election.
Technically, no. The passing of the Order in Council calling the general election dissolves the House of Assembly. If there is no House, there can be no members. The Executive Council (Cabinet) remains intact.
Elections Nova Scotia now offers secure e-Ballot for early voting. E-Ballot is in-person voting on a secure tablet at voting locations. E-Ballot is electronic voting but is not internet or online voting. Internet or online voting are not available for provincial elections in Nova Scotia. If you wish to vote remotely, you can apply to vote by write-in ballot.
You can vote by e-Ballot during the early voting period in-person at any voting location. E-Ballot is done on a secure tablet at the voting location. The e-Ballot System will print a paper copy of your vote for you to place in the ballot box and to be used if there is a recount.
Both are electronic forms of voting. E-Ballot is facilitated in-person on a secure tablet at a voting location. Internet voting is done remotely on-line.
Yes, the e-Ballot system is secure. The system uses an isolated hard-wired network and encrypted connection. Continuous automated monitoring procedures will detect any unwanted activity, should it occur. Every e-Ballot is encrypted, and its contents validated before it is cast.
Yes. Before the digital votes are tallied on election night, the system runs through a rigorous validation process of each cast ballot and compares the count with the daily reconciliation count. After the ENS team has confirmed the integrity, the tally will be confirmed, and results reported.
E-ballot is the form of early voting available at all voting locations following the close of candidate nominations. Traditional paper ballots will be used on election day.
Voters can apply for a write-in ballot, so that they can vote remotely. The application for a write-in ballot can be found on the Elections Nova Scotia website, or they can call their Returning Office for assistance.
They can ask a neighbour, family member, care giver, or friend to act as their agent to assist them to apply for a write-in ballot to vote by mail.
Voters can also make an appointment through their Returning Office for a team to visit their home and assist them with voting by write-in ballot.
The deadlines to apply for a write-in ballot application and to return completed write-in ballot kits either by mail or in-person can be found on the Elections Nova Scotia website.
Members of the Canadian armed forces can apply for a write-in ballot. See this page for more information.
Visually impaired voters can request a special template designed to help them read the ballot. This option is available at all voting locations.
It is mandatory that all polling locations have level access. If your voting location is not accessible, please contact your returning office for various options on how to vote. Click here for more information.
Yes, if you are deaf or hard of hearing you may bring a translator if you communicate using sign language.
Most election positions have no education or skill requirements. However, most election positions require you to be an eligible voter in Nova Scotia. This means workers for most election positions must be 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen. There are some election jobs available for youth 16-18 years of age and non-citizens.
Most election jobs require you to be 18 years of age or older and a Canadian citizen. Only the role of information officer at voting locations does not require you to be 18 years of age or a Canadian citizen.
Youth ages 16-18 can apply to be an information officer at a voting location. Most other election positions require the worker to be 18 years of age or older.
All advertising, by candidates, parties or third parties, which promotes or opposes any candidate or registered party or takes a position on an issue with which a candidate or registered party is associated, is considered election advertising during a provincial general election or by-election. Click here for more information on election signage and advertising.
During a provincial general election or a by-election the Elections Act regulates requirements for election-related signs, and other forms of election advertising including third-party advertising.
Before an election call, the Elections Act does not restrict campaign signs and election advertising. Registered candidates may campaign through door-to-door or public events anytime, and signs may be erected, provided they meet municipal bylaws or provincial transportation regulations.
When writs of election are issued for a provincial general election or a by-election, the Elections Act requires an authorization statement on all signs and advertising, including print, broadcast and online. The statement must be legible and state the following: “Authorized by the Official Agent for [name of candidate, registered party, individual, organization].”
Elections Nova Scotia does not have authority to handle destroyed, removed, or stolen election signs. You may contact your local law enforcement.
Campaign signs are not permitted inside voting locations. This includes buttons, t-shirts, hats or other campaign materials worn by an individual or volunteers for candidate campaigns inside voting locations.
Campaign signs are permitted outside of a voting location station as long as they are not displayed on or within buildings where there is a voting location.
If you have a complaint about an election sign you can call the candidate’s campaign office or the registered political party that has endorsed that candidate and explain your issue. For a third party advertising sign, please contact the organization directly.
Elections Nova Scotia is not responsible for the placement of election signs.
For placement of signs along roads, highways and streets, including some within municipalities, please note that these are managed by the municipality or the Provincial Department of Public Works.
People who have questions about signs along highways may call a toll-free number 1-844-696-7737 or email dpw-occ@novascotia.ca. For signs posted in municipalities, please contact that organization directly.
If you need further guidance regarding an election sign during a provincial election, please write to Elections Nova Scotia at elections@novascotia.ca
Elections Nova Scotia does not regulate the content of election signage. However, during a provincial election the Elections Act requires an authorization statement on all signs and advertising, including print, broadcast and online. The statement must be legible and state, “Authorized by the Official Agent for (name of candidate, registered party, individual, organization)” or “Authorized by the financial agent of a third party (individual, organization).”
The Elections Act allows a tenant or owner in a multiple-unit residence or a condominium residence to post election signs on their own property. The size and type of poster may be subject to reasonable regulation by the landlord or condominium corporation.
You should call the candidate’s campaign office or the registered political party that has endorsed that candidate and ask them to remove the sign. Elections Nova Scotia is not responsible for the placement of election signs.
The placement of election signs is subject to provincial and municipal laws and regulations. Municipal rules may vary; please check with the municipal authority in your area if you have concerns. In the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), people with questions about the placement of election signs can call 311.
Areas along highways, including some within municipalities, are managed by the provincial Department of Public Works. People who have questions about signs along highways may call a toll-free number 1-844-696-7737 or email dpw-occ@novascotia.ca.
The Elections Act requires an authorization statement on all election signs and advertising, including print, broadcast and online. The statement must be legible and state the following: “Authorized by the Official Agent for [name of candidate, registered party, individual, organization].”
There are no restrictions or 'blackout periods' for election advertising. Election advertising is allowed on election day.
To make a complaint about an election sign during a provincial election, please write to Elections Nova Scotia.
Elections Nova Scotia is not responsible for the placement of election signs.
If you have a complaint about an election sign you can call the candidate’s campaign office or the registered political party that has endorsed that candidate and explain your issue.
Areas along highways, including some within municipalities, are managed by the provincial Department of Public Works. People who have questions about signs along highways may call a toll-free number 1-844-696-7737 or email dpw-occ@novascotia.ca.
According to the Elections Act, a third party is an individual or group that is not a candidate, registered political party, or registered electoral district association. A third-party election advertisement is a message that promotes or opposes a registered political party, the election of a certain candidate, or, a candidate's position on an issue within the election period, i.e., from the day the writ of election is issued through election day. Click here for more information on third party advertising.
A third party election advertisement is a message that promotes or opposes:
It can advertise a position on a certain political issue, such as taxes.
A third-party advertisement can be for radio, television, newspaper, the internet, or any other type of media. Campaign buttons, clothing, or other items that identify the users as supporters or opponents of any recognized party, candidate or associated issue can also be types of third-party advertising.
Many communications that appear during an election are not third party advertisements, for example:
Once a third party spends $500 or more on election advertising, they are required by the Elections Act to register with Elections Nova Scotia within seven days. Once the writs of election are issued, third party advertising rules require that the third party identifies itself and it has authorized the advertising. There are also limits to how much money can be spent by third parties during the election.
The public needs to know who is sponsoring an election advertisement and the interest that lies behind any publicly stated position.
Before an election is called, third parties should do the following:
After an election is called, third parties must appoint a person to act as an financial agent for the third party if it spends more than $500 on election advertising.
The financial agent accepts contributions made to the third party for election advertising purposes. He or she must authorize every election advertising expense incurred by the third party.
Then, you should apply to register as a third party with Elections Nova Scotia.
If you plan to advertise during an election, you should apply to register as a third party with Elections Nova Scotia.
Send your application to the Chief Electoral Officer, and include:
NOTE: The name of the group must not be easily confused with the name of a recognized political party or election candidate.
Four months after election day, you or your official agent must file an election advertising report with Elections Nova Scotia, including:
NOTE: If you had no election advertising expenses, then clearly write that in your advertising report.
You might be asked for an original bill, receipt or voucher for any advertising expense greater than $50.
Yes. A third party election advertisement must clearly identify the name of the third party that has paid for the advertisement. For example, the ad must clearly state the name of a person, business, trade union, or other group.
The Elections Act does not allow any of the following people to be a financial agent:
A third party cannot use money if it does not know the name or address of the person who contributed.
In general, third party election advertising runs during an election campaign, but it can start before an election is called.
A third party can spend up to approximately $2,000 on advertising that promotes or opposes the election of one or more candidates in an electoral district.
In total, you can spend up to approximately $10,000 on advertising during a general election.
A third party cannot subdivide or join together with another third party in order to sidestep the spending limits.
Third party election advertising on election day was once banned, but that section of the Elections Act has been repealed. Election advertising is now allowed on election day.
Yes, an individual resident in Nova Scotia may make a political contribution to a party, a candidate or an electoral district association. Organizations (corporations, partnerships, unions, etc.) may not.
Yes, an individual can contribute a maximum of $5,000 annually to each registered party, its candidates or its electoral district associations.
No, only an individual resident in Nova Scotia can make political contributions.
In 2007, public funding for registered political parties was introduced. At the same time a limit on contributions and rules about who can contribute were established.
Yes, however cash contributions are restricted to a maximum of $100.
Only the official agent of the recognized party, candidate or electoral district association may accept a political contribution.
Yes, however you need to be aware of a number of rules regarding loans. The most important is that a loan that is not repaid is deemed to be a political contribution and subject to the $5,000 annual contribution limit.
The law makes it your responsibility not to contribute more than allowed. The law prohibits registered political parties, candidates or electoral district associations from accepting contributions that exceed the limits.
The law regarding political contributions is in the Elections Act. Also refer to a guideline on the contributions rules prepared by the Chief Electoral Officer.
Yes, registered parties do.
The funding is based on a formula contained in the Elections Act. Elections Nova Scotia publishes payments made to date.
A by-election is held in just one particular electoral district to fill a vacancy in the House of Assembly because a member has resigned, been expelled, or died. An election, also called a general election, is held in all electoral districts at the same time.
Qualified electors in Nova Scotia are entitled to one vote each. By maintaining a List of Electors we can ensure votes are being cast fairly. It also helps us prepare statistics that tell how many eligible Nova Scotians are voting. And the List speeds up and simplifies the voting process for voters at the polls.
We update it using many different sources. On an ongoing basis, Elections Nova Scotia selectively receives data from a number of sources including the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Vital Statistics, the Nova Scotia Civic Address File, Elections Canada, municipal elections and field work done by Returning Officers and Elections Nova Scotia staff. Unfortunately, the format of the information provided to Elections Nova Scotia from other organizations is not always compatible with the internal system. This is why it is often best for electors with changes in their information to do so directly with Elections Nova Scotia. Many electors contact our office directly to be registered on the List. During enumeration we go physically from door-to-door to update the List.
Yes. Personal information on the List of Electors is only used for election purposes.
Nova Scotia has had 41 provincial general elections. The most recent was on August 17, 2021.
Yes. The Elections Act does not prohibit advertising outside an election period. However all forms of advertising during the writ period are subject to the rule that every advertisement relating to an election that promotes or opposes any candidate or recognized party shall bear the works "authorized by the official agent for [name of candidate or recognized party]" and must indicate on whose behalf the advertisement was published.
The Public Service Employment Act, provides a new regime for governing the political activities of federal public servants. The Act recognizes the need to balance the principle of an impartial federal public service with the rights of public service employees to engage in political activities. For more information, please visit: http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plac-acpl/index-eng.htm or contact the Public Service Commission of Canada's Political Activities Directorate at 1-866-707-7152, by facsimile at 613-995-7699 or by email at pa-ap@psc-cfp.gc.ca
Please refer to the Political Activity Rights of Nova Scotia Government Employees issued by the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission.