Amendment to Tied Vote of a Municipal Election: Non-Incumbent Tie
Res #: 11-22M
Number: 11
Year: 2022
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
WHEREAS the municipal elected officials put time and effort into their role of office.
WHEREAS an incumbent holds their office until they resign or lose through the election process.
BE IT RESOLVED that if the tied vote does not include an incumbent that the tie is resolved by writing each name on a piece of paper of equal size and type, then drawing the successor’s name from a hat.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
February 27, 2024
The Ministry of Government Relations does not support a change to legislation that would break ties in favour of incumbents (see response to SARM resolution 10-22M).
As of January 2024, a municipality now has the option to hold a by-election to resolve tied votes. This amendment was in response to SARM resolution 15-21A, which asked government for a democratic option to resolve tied votes. The practice of selecting the successful candidate by drawing a name from a receptacle remains an option.
Other recent amendments to the Act provide clarity in the process for how tied votes are resolved, Including requirements that any tied candidates must be notified when the winner’s name will be drawn, and that there would be at least two witnesses present.
Laurier Donais – Deputy Minister of Government Relations
