Modernizing Voting and Campaign Rules

Summary#

This bill updates Nova Scotia’s Elections Act and the House of Assembly Act. It aims to modernize voting and campaign rules, reduce red tape for candidates, and clarify how voter information can be used. It also adjusts who can serve in key roles and tightens rules around polling places.

Key changes:

• Confirms that parties and candidates may use the voters list to contact people for support, donations, or membership, during and between elections.
• Removes nomination deposits for candidates and requires a party leader’s signed statement to confirm a party’s endorsed candidate.
• Allows Elections Nova Scotia to give parties and candidates a daily electronic list of who voted at advance and continuous polls; voters can ask to have their names hidden.
• Makes write‑in (special) ballots easier to use after nominations close by allowing ballots that list candidate names and can be marked with an X.
• Limits Internet voting to Canadian Armed Forces members (and any group set by regulation) who are stationed outside Nova Scotia during an election.
• Eases staffing rules (returning officers only need to be eligible to vote in Nova Scotia) and updates who can run for the House: Canadian citizen, age 18+ (effective after the current House ends).
• Simplifies campaign finance: small campaigns under $1,000 may not need an audit; candidates can pay up to $5,000 in ad costs by credit card with approval; registration deadlines and party/district finance rules are clarified.
• Bans parades, demonstrations, or loudspeaker broadcasts supporting a candidate or party within 50 metres of a polling place while voting is happening.

What it means for you#

• Voters

  • You may get more outreach from parties and candidates, including between elections, using the voters list.
  • Parties and candidates can receive a daily electronic list of who has voted at advance and continuous polls. You can apply to have your name hidden on these lists.
  • No loudspeakers, parades, or demonstrations for a candidate or party are allowed within 50 metres of a polling place while voting is underway.
  • If you vote by write‑in (special) ballot after nominations close, your ballot may list candidate names so you can mark an X instead of writing a name.
  • You can still be added to the voters list when you vote at advance polls, continuous polls, on election day, or when using a write‑in ballot, with clearer steps on who helps you at each place.
  • Internet voting is limited. It applies mainly to Canadian Armed Forces members (and any group set by regulation) who are out of province during the election.

• Candidates

  • No nomination deposit is required.
  • If you are endorsed by a party, your nomination must include a signed statement from the party leader confirming your endorsement.
  • You may pay up to $5,000 in election advertising costs directly by credit card if your official agent approves beforehand.
  • If your campaign’s total expenses, contributions, or net fundraising proceeds are under $1,000, you may not need an auditor’s report.
  • One person cannot serve as the official agent for more than one candidate in the same district.
  • You and your team can receive daily “who voted” lists during advance and continuous polls to plan your get‑out‑the‑vote work (with voter opt‑out).

• Parties and electoral district associations

  • Clear confirmation you may use voters lists to contact people for campaign support, donations, or membership, including between elections.
  • You will receive daily electronic “who voted” data during advance and continuous polls, delivered online, not on physical media.
  • You cannot apply to register under the relevant section after the election writ is issued (registration must happen before the campaign starts).
  • Finance rules are clarified for transfers and reporting.

• Election workers and officials

  • Returning officers only need to be eligible to vote in Nova Scotia (not tied to a specific district).
  • The Chief Electoral Officer has more flexibility in using name‑listed ballots for write‑in voting and in certain timelines.
  • The Chair of the Election Commission must be appointed within six months after a general election.

• Timing notes

  • The daily electronic “who voted” lists start on a date set by the government (by proclamation).
  • The new rule on who can be a member of the House (Canadian citizen, 18+) applies after the current House ends.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Clarifies common practices, like using voters lists for outreach, so campaigns know what is allowed and voters know what to expect.
• Removes unnecessary barriers, such as nomination deposits and audits for very small campaigns, making it easier for people to run.
• Improves voting access and accuracy by simplifying special ballots and clearly allowing on‑the‑spot additions to the voters list.
• Helps parties and candidates target reminders to vote by providing timely “who voted” information, while offering a privacy opt‑out.
• Strengthens fairness and calm at polling places by limiting loud or disruptive campaigning nearby.
• Focuses Internet voting on out‑of‑province service members, where it is most needed and easier to secure.

Opponents' View#

• Sharing daily “who voted” information with campaigns may raise privacy concerns or lead to more pressure from canvassers, even with an opt‑out.
• Ending nomination deposits could invite frivolous candidates and longer ballots.
• Requiring a party leader’s signed endorsement may centralize control and make it harder for local nominees to run.
• Letting candidates spend up to $5,000 by credit card, even with approval, could weaken financial controls or record‑keeping.
• Limiting Internet voting to mainly the military leaves other voters who are away or face barriers without that option.
• Changing eligibility for members of the House to only “Canadian citizen, 18+” may worry people who want a clear residency requirement, even if other election rules still apply.