Boda: Give a day to help Saskatchewan's democracy

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Canada’s Constitution requires elections every five years to regenerate our provincial government, but coronavirus has presented unique challenges to meeting this objective. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, I have worked closely with the province’s chief medical health officer to redesign our polling locations. As a result, polls will be as safe for voters and for election officials this coming October as a trip to your local grocery store. Voters and workers alike will be provided with PPE, physical distancing and new traffic patterns will be instituted, and clear protocols for safety and cleaning will be put in place.

I’ve heard recently from a number of people in Saskatchewan who have looked forward to giving back to their communities by acting as elections officials over the years but feel they can’t participate in 2020 due to health concerns related to COVID-19. As chief electoral officer, I fully understand this. Participating as an election worker has always been a choice in this province and that will never change. But my hope is that many of our residents who don’t see themselves in the same category will, perhaps for the first time, be motivated to step in at a time when Saskatchewan’s democracy is under unique pressure to deliver on our constitutional democratic promise.

We’re in the midst of one of the most challenging times in the history of Saskatchewan. Our province needs your help. Will you take part as an election official for Saskatchewan’s 29th provincial election this October? You will be paid for your efforts, but you’ll also be giving back to a democracy that is known around the globe for its success.

I hope that you’ll go to our website today at elections.sk.ca and express your interest in giving a day for Saskatchewan’s democracy — your democracy.

Michael Boda has been chief electoral officer of Saskatchewan since 2012. He oversees and regulates provincial elections.