Saskatchewan Election Update: Tight Races and Mail-In Ballots Shape Provincial Landscape
The ongoing election in Saskatchewan has captured significant attention, particularly in constituencies with tight margins like Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove. With mail-in ballots yet to be fully counted, these closely contested races could shift the provincial political map. The outcome of the mail-in count, which will conclude on November 9, could provide the final word on the election, but as things stand, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Saskatchewan Party are neck-and-neck in several districts.
Saskatoon Westview: A Nail-Biter for the Saskatchewan Party and NDP
Saskatoon Westview has emerged as one of the most competitive districts in the 2024 Saskatchewan election. Initially, the Saskatchewan Party incumbent David Buckingham held a narrow lead of just 31 votes over NDP challenger April ChiefCalf. However, after an initial count of mail-in ballots, ChiefCalf surged ahead with a 37-vote lead, marking a potential shift in a district long held by the Saskatchewan Party.
To date, 291 out of 484 requested mail-in ballots have been counted in Saskatoon Westview, with as many as 193 remaining. These additional ballots, which could arrive by the final count deadline, will be crucial in determining the winner. Political analysts are closely watching this district, particularly because the NDP has seen gains across Saskatoon in recent elections. Political commentator Éric Grenier has projected that the final mail-in ballots may secure a win for the NDP, furthering its hold on the Saskatoon region.
“Considering the trend we’re seeing in Saskatoon, it appears the NDP may secure 13 seats within the city, while the Saskatchewan Party may hold onto just one if they manage to keep Willowgrove,” Grenier noted.
Saskatoon Willowgrove: Saskatchewan Party Holds a Slim Lead
In Saskatoon Willowgrove, incumbent Ken Cheveldayoff of the Saskatchewan Party currently maintains a lead of 178 votes. With 658 mail-in ballots counted, 427 more could still be counted by the deadline. As the count continues, this constituency remains a critical stronghold for the Saskatchewan Party, which is hoping to retain at least one seat in Saskatoon.
The stakes are high, as retaining Willowgrove would allow the Saskatchewan Party to maintain a foothold in a city where NDP support is on the rise. This district may ultimately determine if the Saskatchewan Party can secure any representation within Saskatoon.
Major Upsets and Cabinet Ministers Defeated
In an unexpected turn of events, several long-serving Saskatchewan Party ministers face defeat in this election, with the NDP making significant strides. Notably, Christine Tell, who has held her seat in Regina Wascana Plains since 2007 and served as Minister of Environment, is projected to lose to Brent Blakley, an NDP candidate and former teacher. Blakley currently leads by 505 votes, marking a substantial shift in a district once seen as a safe seat for the Saskatchewan Party.
In addition, Paul Merriman, the fifth cabinet minister in either Saskatoon or Regina, is projected to lose his seat. The mail-in ballot count in Regina has strengthened the NDP’s position, with Jennifer Gordon’s margin over the Saskatchewan Party growing from 258 votes to 391. These outcomes highlight the growing support for the NDP in urban centers.
In Saskatoon Southeast, Brittney Senger of the NDP leads by 409 votes over Saskatchewan Party candidate John Owojori, with 396 potential mail-in ballots outstanding. Should Senger maintain her lead, it would signify an end to the Saskatchewan Party’s 21-year hold on the district. Don Morgan, a well-established Saskatchewan Party MLA since 2003, had represented this area.
Saskatchewan Party Holds Prince Albert Northcote
Despite the NDP’s gains in urban areas, the Saskatchewan Party has managed to retain its seat in Prince Albert Northcote. Alana Ross, the incumbent, is projected to win against NDP candidate Nicole Rancourt with a margin of 133 votes. This seat, which Ross also held in the previous election, helps balance the Saskatchewan Party’s representation across the province, though urban districts continue to trend toward the NDP.
As it stands, the Saskatchewan Party is projected to hold 33 seats, while the NDP is poised to take 26. With 31 seats needed for a majority, these results underscore the highly competitive nature of this election and the importance of each remaining mail-in ballot.
Mail-In Ballots: A Decisive Factor
Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer, Michael Boda, expects the final mail-in ballot count to provide clarity on the election’s outcome. Mail-in voting, which has been adopted widely across the province, has the potential to shift close races. As of October 26, there were 32,467 mail-in vote applications, with 20,417 ballots received and counted on Wednesday. According to Boda, priority has been given to nine constituencies where the incoming mail-in ballots could influence the final standings.
Counting of mail-in ballots began early Wednesday in Regina, with results from urban areas released incrementally. Boda expressed satisfaction with the counting process, noting that efficient planning contributed to smoother operations.
“Overall, the process has gone very, very well. We trained extensively for this election, and the results show that commitment across the province,” Boda remarked. The first mail-in results were released shortly after 10:30 p.m. CST, roughly two hours after polls closed. Boda emphasized the added efficiency in rural districts, where smaller boxes of ballots expedited the count.
While Boda recommended the use of vote tabulators in high-turnout areas—tools already in use during byelections—the recommendation was ultimately declined by a committee of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). As a result, 500 additional vote counters were deployed across the province to ensure timely processing.
“We wanted to avoid counting that extended into the early morning hours,” Boda explained. “People responded well to having several days to vote, which improved accessibility. I recommend we continue to offer this flexibility in future elections.”
NDP Gains and Saskatchewan Party Losses Amid Mail-In Ballot Count
The ongoing mail-in ballot count has led to new projections, with the NDP gaining four additional seats while the Saskatchewan Party secured just one. Although the Saskatchewan Party continues to hold a slight majority, the NDP’s inroads in historically conservative constituencies signal a significant political shift within Saskatchewan.
As the final ballots are counted, all eyes remain on Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove, where margins are narrow, and every vote holds considerable weight. The mail-in ballots arriving over the next week will determine the future of these districts and, by extension, the broader political landscape of Saskatchewan.
With November 9 marking the final count, both parties are closely monitoring each update, fully aware that the fate of key seats remains undecided.
The ongoing election in Saskatchewan has captured significant attention, particularly in constituencies with tight margins like Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove. With mail-in ballots yet to be fully counted, these closely contested races could shift the provincial political map. The outcome of the mail-in count, which will conclude on November 9, could provide the final word on the election, but as things stand, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Saskatchewan Party are neck-and-neck in several districts.
Saskatoon Westview: A Nail-Biter for the Saskatchewan Party and NDP
Saskatoon Westview has emerged as one of the most competitive districts in the 2024 Saskatchewan election. Initially, the Saskatchewan Party incumbent David Buckingham held a narrow lead of just 31 votes over NDP challenger April ChiefCalf. However, after an initial count of mail-in ballots, ChiefCalf surged ahead with a 37-vote lead, marking a potential shift in a district long held by the Saskatchewan Party.
To date, 291 out of 484 requested mail-in ballots have been counted in Saskatoon Westview, with as many as 193 remaining. These additional ballots, which could arrive by the final count deadline, will be crucial in determining the winner. Political analysts are closely watching this district, particularly because the NDP has seen gains across Saskatoon in recent elections. Political commentator Éric Grenier has projected that the final mail-in ballots may secure a win for the NDP, furthering its hold on the Saskatoon region.
“Considering the trend we’re seeing in Saskatoon, it appears the NDP may secure 13 seats within the city, while the Saskatchewan Party may hold onto just one if they manage to keep Willowgrove,” Grenier noted.
Saskatoon Willowgrove: Saskatchewan Party Holds a Slim Lead
In Saskatoon Willowgrove, incumbent Ken Cheveldayoff of the Saskatchewan Party currently maintains a lead of 178 votes. With 658 mail-in ballots counted, 427 more could still be counted by the deadline. As the count continues, this constituency remains a critical stronghold for the Saskatchewan Party, which is hoping to retain at least one seat in Saskatoon.
The stakes are high, as retaining Willowgrove would allow the Saskatchewan Party to maintain a foothold in a city where NDP support is on the rise. This district may ultimately determine if the Saskatchewan Party can secure any representation within Saskatoon.
Major Upsets and Cabinet Ministers Defeated
In an unexpected turn of events, several long-serving Saskatchewan Party ministers face defeat in this election, with the NDP making significant strides. Notably, Christine Tell, who has held her seat in Regina Wascana Plains since 2007 and served as Minister of Environment, is projected to lose to Brent Blakley, an NDP candidate and former teacher. Blakley currently leads by 505 votes, marking a substantial shift in a district once seen as a safe seat for the Saskatchewan Party.
In addition, Paul Merriman, the fifth cabinet minister in either Saskatoon or Regina, is projected to lose his seat. The mail-in ballot count in Regina has strengthened the NDP’s position, with Jennifer Gordon’s margin over the Saskatchewan Party growing from 258 votes to 391. These outcomes highlight the growing support for the NDP in urban centers.
In Saskatoon Southeast, Brittney Senger of the NDP leads by 409 votes over Saskatchewan Party candidate John Owojori, with 396 potential mail-in ballots outstanding. Should Senger maintain her lead, it would signify an end to the Saskatchewan Party’s 21-year hold on the district. Don Morgan, a well-established Saskatchewan Party MLA since 2003, had represented this area.
Saskatchewan Party Holds Prince Albert Northcote
Despite the NDP’s gains in urban areas, the Saskatchewan Party has managed to retain its seat in Prince Albert Northcote. Alana Ross, the incumbent, is projected to win against NDP candidate Nicole Rancourt with a margin of 133 votes. This seat, which Ross also held in the previous election, helps balance the Saskatchewan Party’s representation across the province, though urban districts continue to trend toward the NDP.
As it stands, the Saskatchewan Party is projected to hold 33 seats, while the NDP is poised to take 26. With 31 seats needed for a majority, these results underscore the highly competitive nature of this election and the importance of each remaining mail-in ballot.
Mail-In Ballots: A Decisive Factor
Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer, Michael Boda, expects the final mail-in ballot count to provide clarity on the election’s outcome. Mail-in voting, which has been adopted widely across the province, has the potential to shift close races. As of October 26, there were 32,467 mail-in vote applications, with 20,417 ballots received and counted on Wednesday. According to Boda, priority has been given to nine constituencies where the incoming mail-in ballots could influence the final standings.
Counting of mail-in ballots began early Wednesday in Regina, with results from urban areas released incrementally. Boda expressed satisfaction with the counting process, noting that efficient planning contributed to smoother operations.
“Overall, the process has gone very, very well. We trained extensively for this election, and the results show that commitment across the province,” Boda remarked. The first mail-in results were released shortly after 10:30 p.m. CST, roughly two hours after polls closed. Boda emphasized the added efficiency in rural districts, where smaller boxes of ballots expedited the count.
While Boda recommended the use of vote tabulators in high-turnout areas—tools already in use during byelections—the recommendation was ultimately declined by a committee of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). As a result, 500 additional vote counters were deployed across the province to ensure timely processing.
“We wanted to avoid counting that extended into the early morning hours,” Boda explained. “People responded well to having several days to vote, which improved accessibility. I recommend we continue to offer this flexibility in future elections.”
NDP Gains and Saskatchewan Party Losses Amid Mail-In Ballot Count
The ongoing mail-in ballot count has led to new projections, with the NDP gaining four additional seats while the Saskatchewan Party secured just one. Although the Saskatchewan Party continues to hold a slight majority, the NDP’s inroads in historically conservative constituencies signal a significant political shift within Saskatchewan.
As the final ballots are counted, all eyes remain on Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove, where margins are narrow, and every vote holds considerable weight. The mail-in ballots arriving over the next week will determine the future of these districts and, by extension, the broader political landscape of Saskatchewan.
With November 9 marking the final count, both parties are closely monitoring each update, fully aware that the fate of key seats remains undecided.
The ongoing election in Saskatchewan has captured significant attention, particularly in constituencies with tight margins like Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove. With mail-in ballots yet to be fully counted, these closely contested races could shift the provincial political map. The outcome of the mail-in count, which will conclude on November 9, could provide the final word on the election, but as things stand, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Saskatchewan Party are neck-and-neck in several districts.
Saskatoon Westview: A Nail-Biter for the Saskatchewan Party and NDP
Saskatoon Westview has emerged as one of the most competitive districts in the 2024 Saskatchewan election. Initially, the Saskatchewan Party incumbent David Buckingham held a narrow lead of just 31 votes over NDP challenger April ChiefCalf. However, after an initial count of mail-in ballots, ChiefCalf surged ahead with a 37-vote lead, marking a potential shift in a district long held by the Saskatchewan Party.
To date, 291 out of 484 requested mail-in ballots have been counted in Saskatoon Westview, with as many as 193 remaining. These additional ballots, which could arrive by the final count deadline, will be crucial in determining the winner. Political analysts are closely watching this district, particularly because the NDP has seen gains across Saskatoon in recent elections. Political commentator Éric Grenier has projected that the final mail-in ballots may secure a win for the NDP, furthering its hold on the Saskatoon region.
“Considering the trend we’re seeing in Saskatoon, it appears the NDP may secure 13 seats within the city, while the Saskatchewan Party may hold onto just one if they manage to keep Willowgrove,” Grenier noted.
Saskatoon Willowgrove: Saskatchewan Party Holds a Slim Lead
In Saskatoon Willowgrove, incumbent Ken Cheveldayoff of the Saskatchewan Party currently maintains a lead of 178 votes. With 658 mail-in ballots counted, 427 more could still be counted by the deadline. As the count continues, this constituency remains a critical stronghold for the Saskatchewan Party, which is hoping to retain at least one seat in Saskatoon.
The stakes are high, as retaining Willowgrove would allow the Saskatchewan Party to maintain a foothold in a city where NDP support is on the rise. This district may ultimately determine if the Saskatchewan Party can secure any representation within Saskatoon.
Major Upsets and Cabinet Ministers Defeated
In an unexpected turn of events, several long-serving Saskatchewan Party ministers face defeat in this election, with the NDP making significant strides. Notably, Christine Tell, who has held her seat in Regina Wascana Plains since 2007 and served as Minister of Environment, is projected to lose to Brent Blakley, an NDP candidate and former teacher. Blakley currently leads by 505 votes, marking a substantial shift in a district once seen as a safe seat for the Saskatchewan Party.
In addition, Paul Merriman, the fifth cabinet minister in either Saskatoon or Regina, is projected to lose his seat. The mail-in ballot count in Regina has strengthened the NDP’s position, with Jennifer Gordon’s margin over the Saskatchewan Party growing from 258 votes to 391. These outcomes highlight the growing support for the NDP in urban centers.
In Saskatoon Southeast, Brittney Senger of the NDP leads by 409 votes over Saskatchewan Party candidate John Owojori, with 396 potential mail-in ballots outstanding. Should Senger maintain her lead, it would signify an end to the Saskatchewan Party’s 21-year hold on the district. Don Morgan, a well-established Saskatchewan Party MLA since 2003, had represented this area.
Saskatchewan Party Holds Prince Albert Northcote
Despite the NDP’s gains in urban areas, the Saskatchewan Party has managed to retain its seat in Prince Albert Northcote. Alana Ross, the incumbent, is projected to win against NDP candidate Nicole Rancourt with a margin of 133 votes. This seat, which Ross also held in the previous election, helps balance the Saskatchewan Party’s representation across the province, though urban districts continue to trend toward the NDP.
As it stands, the Saskatchewan Party is projected to hold 33 seats, while the NDP is poised to take 26. With 31 seats needed for a majority, these results underscore the highly competitive nature of this election and the importance of each remaining mail-in ballot.
Mail-In Ballots: A Decisive Factor
Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer, Michael Boda, expects the final mail-in ballot count to provide clarity on the election’s outcome. Mail-in voting, which has been adopted widely across the province, has the potential to shift close races. As of October 26, there were 32,467 mail-in vote applications, with 20,417 ballots received and counted on Wednesday. According to Boda, priority has been given to nine constituencies where the incoming mail-in ballots could influence the final standings.
Counting of mail-in ballots began early Wednesday in Regina, with results from urban areas released incrementally. Boda expressed satisfaction with the counting process, noting that efficient planning contributed to smoother operations.
“Overall, the process has gone very, very well. We trained extensively for this election, and the results show that commitment across the province,” Boda remarked. The first mail-in results were released shortly after 10:30 p.m. CST, roughly two hours after polls closed. Boda emphasized the added efficiency in rural districts, where smaller boxes of ballots expedited the count.
While Boda recommended the use of vote tabulators in high-turnout areas—tools already in use during byelections—the recommendation was ultimately declined by a committee of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). As a result, 500 additional vote counters were deployed across the province to ensure timely processing.
“We wanted to avoid counting that extended into the early morning hours,” Boda explained. “People responded well to having several days to vote, which improved accessibility. I recommend we continue to offer this flexibility in future elections.”
NDP Gains and Saskatchewan Party Losses Amid Mail-In Ballot Count
The ongoing mail-in ballot count has led to new projections, with the NDP gaining four additional seats while the Saskatchewan Party secured just one. Although the Saskatchewan Party continues to hold a slight majority, the NDP’s inroads in historically conservative constituencies signal a significant political shift within Saskatchewan.
As the final ballots are counted, all eyes remain on Saskatoon Westview and Saskatoon Willowgrove, where margins are narrow, and every vote holds considerable weight. The mail-in ballots arriving over the next week will determine the future of these districts and, by extension, the broader political landscape of Saskatchewan.
With November 9 marking the final count, both parties are closely monitoring each update, fully aware that the fate of key seats remains undecided.
Source : Swifteradio.com
