Byelection set for Nov. 27

The byelection to fill the vacant provincial legislature seat in Charlottetown-Parkdale left by Doug Currie’s resignation will be held Nov. 27.

Premier Wade MacLauchlan made the announcement following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.

Currie, the former education minister, resigned from his District 11 seat fewer than two weeks ago, saying it was time to step down after 11 years as an MLA.

“It is important that residents of Charlottetown-Parkdale be represented in as timely a manner as possible in the legislative assembly, which opens in November,” said MacLauchlan.

“Prince Edward Islanders are known for a nation-leading rate of voter participation, and I encourage all constituents of the district of Charlottetown-Parkdale to take part in the democratic process by getting involved and casting a vote in the Nov. 27 byelection.”

Monday night, both the Green and Liberal parties held nomination meetings for the district, with Hannah Bell chosen to represent the Greens and Charlottetown city councillor Bob Doiron selected to run for the governing Liberals.

Melissa Hilton is the only candidate who has put her name forward for the Progressive Conservative Party, which is holding its nomination meeting tonight. The party says it doesn’t expect further candidates to come forward and that nominations will not be allowed from the floor.

As of Tuesday night, the NDP had not publically announced plans for a nomination meeting.

Elections P.E.I. said Tuesday there will be no confirmation of electors. Voter data collected from the 2015 provincial election will be used, along with updates to the register of electors maintained by Elections P.E.I.

Residents of District 11 will be able to vote in the byelection if they meet the requirements and are registered with Elections P.E.I.

Voters can self-register at www.voterregistration.electionspei.ca or in person at the office of the returning officer at the Sherwood Business Centre, 161 St Peters Rd., from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Advance voting days will be Nov. 18, Nov. 20 Nov. 24. Polls will be open on Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Nomination papers for candidates will be available at the office of the returning officer, and candidates have until Friday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. to file for their candidacy.

For more information, visit www.electionspei.ca.