SASKATOON — Forty-seven candidates, two of whom are running for the mayor position, have already submitted their nomination papers as residents prepare to choose the city’s next leaders in the civic election set for Nov. 13.
Residents will elect 10 city council members in the municipal elections, as well as the public and Catholic school board trustees, and the mayor.
Mayor Charlie Clark has announced he will not seek another term as the city’s chief executive. Councilors Hillary Gough (Ward 2), David Kirton (Ward 3), Mairin Loewen (Ward 7), and Serene Gersher (Ward 8) have also opted out of re-election bids.
Mike Harder and Cary Tarasoff are the two mayoral candidates as of Sept. 26. At the same time, former Mayor Don Atchison, outgoing Ward 6 Councilor Cynthia Block, and ex-MLA Gordon Wyant have yet to submit their nomination papers.
The incumbent city council members seeking another term are Darren Hill (Ward 1), Randy Donauer (Ward 5), Bev Dubois (Ward 9), and Zach Jeffries (Ward 10). Ward 4 Councilor Troy Davies has not yet announced his intention to run.
Election Officer Shellie Bryant told SaskToday that preparations are going smoothly and that they are on track with their plans.
“We've got all of our polling locations pinned down. We’ve got our advanced and special polls all planned and set up. We are verifying the registered voters on the website and are now receiving mail-in ballot applications. We’re ready to hold the election,” said Bryant.
She added that they had already received several mail-in ballot applications. Saskatoon residents who do not want to vote at polling stations can submit their applications before Oct. 15 to allow time for processing and delivering mail-in ballots.
Elections Saskatoon also has a homebound voting program for people who cannot leave the house, such as people with disabilities and their caregivers. Those who want to use the homebound voting program must apply before 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Bryant said election staff are tasked with visiting the homes of voters participating in the homebound voting program and waiting for them to finish casting their votes.
Two changes in ward boundaries will take effect in this election: Confederation Urban Centre will move from Ward 3 to Ward 2, and Nutana Park, which was in Ward 7, will now be in Ward 9.
