Minister Recognizes Importance of Municipal Election

As municipal election day approaches, the Provincial Government is encouraged by the large number of candidates who have come forward and expressed their interest in running.

“We are very pleased by what we are seeing in communities across the province leading up to the September 24 municipal election,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “There is a strong interest in communities large and small and what is clear is that residents are stepping forward to make a difference by seeking the nomination for council. By doing this, these individuals are demonstrating that they are willing to commit their time and effort to better their communities, and chart a positive course for the future.”

With candidates in place, residents of the province are reminded to weigh their options, and exercise their democratic right to vote. A number of voting methods are available for this including; mail-in ballots, advanced polls, proxy voting and voting in-person at polling stations on September 24.

“Once again this year we promoted the municipal elections process through our Make Your Mark campaign,” said Minister O’Brien. “This time we focused on social media and web-based resources as a way to encourage residents across the province to get involved. The response was overwhelming, with people tweeting campaign and election activities and pictures and many utilizing the Make Your Mark hashtag. It is important as we now turn our focus to the upcoming vote to remember that municipal councils represent the electorate and everyone’s opinion makes a difference.”

The Department of Municipal Affairs asks all residents to carefully consider the part they play in the democratic process, and exercise their right to vote on September 24.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 20             11:00 a.m.