Changes to the Municipal Elections Act

Changes to the Municipal Elections Act will allow the recently revised provincial voters' list to be used in the next municipal elections. Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, introduced the amendment to the legislation today.

"This change has been requested by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities," said Mr. MacIsaac. "It will mean savings for municipalities during the municipal elections next year."

An amendment to Section 30 will authorize municipalities to use the July 27, 1999, provincial voters' list in next year's municipal elections. The provincial voters' list will be 15 months old at the time of the municipal elections on Oct. 21, 2000. The current legislation only permits the use of lists that are no more than 12 months old. This amendment gives municipalities the option to use the provincial voters' list if it is a benefit to them.