**The following information was relevant during the 2021 Territorial General Election. Nunavut has ended the public health emergency and all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.**
We are working closely with the Chief Public Health Officer to ensure our communities have an opportunity to participate in forming our government while remaining safe.
Our guiding principles
- Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: The safety of voters, candidates, election officers and the communities is our priority.
- Aajiiqatigiinniq: We will work closely with the communities, candidates, voters and the Chief Public Health Officer during the election periods.
- Ikajuqtigiinniq: We will ensure activities during the election follow the orders issued by the Chief Public Health Officer.
- Qanuqtuurniq: We will adapt to address challenges as they arise, while preserving the integrity of the election and maintaining the confidence of Nunavummiut.
What we are doing to Keep You Safe
- The rules in the Nunavut Elections Act give the Chief Electoral Officer flexibility to protect the health and safety of our communities during the election.
- Online voter registration is available here.
- Candidates will be provided with an online portal.
- Our Returning Officers will safely offer mobile polls to our most vulnerable populations.
- Voters will be encouraged to wear masks during voting in-person. You can bring your own mask, or one will be provided for you.
- We will provide single-use pencils.
- We will have a sanitization station for voters at every polling location.
- We will sanitize the voting booths regularly.
- We will make sure everyone is practicing physical distancing.
- Protective barriers will be in place to separate voters from election officers.
What this may mean for candidates
- The declaration of candidacy process may be changed to reduce in-person interaction with election officials.
- Certain restrictions may be placed on-person campaigning to reduce the risk of the pandemic.
- Campaigning in elder’s facilities, care homes or shelters may be prohibited to protect our most vulnerable populations.
- Limitations may be placed on in-person monitoring of voting or the count by candidates or their representatives.
- Voting opportunities may be expanded at short notice. This may include lengthening voting days during the advance voting, or allowing longer time for mail-in ballots to arrive at our office.
- Delays in reporting election results due to safety measures taken by Elections Nunavut.
What this may mean for voters
- Voters will be encouraged to vote during advance voting opportunities.
- Voters may be more comfortable voting by mail-in ballot than attending a polling location.
- Voters may not get a chance to interact in-person with their candidates.
- Voters who are unwell or in isolation will be encouraged to vote by mail-in ballot.
