Other Frequently Asked Questions
How many electoral districts are there in Newfoundland and Labrador?
There are 40 electoral districts in Newfoundland and Labrador. On the island portion of the province there are 36 electoral districts, and in Labrador there are 4 electoral districts.
Where can I obtain electoral district maps?
Visit our map page.
How is an election started?
All provincial elections and by-elections in Newfoundland and Labrador are started by a Proclamation of Election by the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador in accordance with the House of Assembly Act. A Proclamation of Election directs the Chief Electoral Officer to issue a Writ of Election for an electoral district or districts. The Proclamation of Election outlines when polling day will be held for the election, when nomination day is for candidates in the election, and where nominations will take place.
The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of The King in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position is non-partisan and apolitical. Responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor include:
- Ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador always has a Premier who is able to command the confidence of the House of Assembly;
- Summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Legislature;
- Read the Speech from the Throne at the beginning of a parliamentary session;
- Grant Royal Assent to bills passed by the Legislature; and
- Issue proclamations for provincial election events.
Click here for more information about the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
What is a writ of election?
The writ of election, often referred to as the ‘writ’, is issued by the Chief Electoral Officer to a Returning Officer of an electoral district to signal the start of an election or by-election. The writ directs the Returning Officer of the district when polling day will be held for the election, when nomination day is for candidates in the election, and where nominations take place.
Am I entitled to time off of work to vote?
Electors who are working during the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. timeframe are entitled to have four consecutive hours to vote on polling day. This does not mean that four hours must be taken from working hours. Depending on your regular work schedule, your employer could allow you to arrive late, let you leave work early, or provide you with four consecutive hours off at some point during the workday.
For example, you are scheduled to work from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and would not have four consecutive hours to vote. Your employer could allow you to arrive late at 12 p.m., let you leave early at 4 p.m., or otherwise provide you with four consecutive hours off at some point during the workday.
Your employer has the right to decide when during the workday to give this time off.
Any time off for employees to vote must be without penalty or a reduction in pay (section 210, Elections Act, 1991).
Who decides when employees may take time off work to vote?
Your employer has the right to decide when during the workday to give this time off.
How can I file a general complaint or give feedback on the conduct of the election?
To provide feedback on the conduct of an election, an election official or another general matter, please contact us at OCEO@electionsnl.ca
Feedback should include dates, locations, names of those involved, and contact information for follow-up if necessary.
How can I file a complaint about a party and/or candidate?
Elections NL maintains responsibility for the overall electoral process. We accept complaints about political parties and candidates if they are in violation of the Elections Act, 1991 . You can contact your local district Retuning Office to register your complaint, or you can email your complaint to OCEO@electionsnl.ca
Please note, we do not administer political party nominations. Any complaints about political party nomination processes should be directed to the chairperson of the political party.