(February 10, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC Candidate for Conception Bay South, says the option provided by Elections NL to allow people in isolation to cast their ballot simply isn’t good enough.

Petten is concerned people in isolation will still be unable to travel the distance required to cast their ballot.

“People are still being denied the right to vote. Having a single location at Confederation Building still provides a barrier to voting, there’s no question about it. The epicenter of the outbreak is in Mount Pearl, Paradise, and into Conception Bay South. It’s simply too great of a distance for people isolating to be able to cast their ballots,” said Petten.

Petten says a location at Confederation Building is fine, but the fact it’s the only option for people so far away from the areas hardest hit is unacceptable. Petten says there are other places such as arenas on theNorth East Avalon with large parking lots that could be considered for additional polling stations.

“This solution doesn’t do anything to help those with mobility issues or those who may not have access to a vehicle. We’re trying to encourage people to vote, but the option introduced is still creates major barriers for people’s democratic right,” said Petten.
Petten says it’s clear Elections NL did not consider the possibility of this scenario before the election started. To not have a contingency plan for this worst-case scenario is unacceptable, he says.

Petten says the Andrew Furey should have made sure a contingency plan for the scenario facing the Northeast Avalon should have been in place before he chose to call the election campaign.

“As we have said time and time again: The Premier didn’t have to call this election in the midst of a pandemic,” said Petten.
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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