Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 15/01) - The law forcing bars and liquor outlets to close on election day is "paternalistic" and "outdated" and should be repealed, says the Northwest Territories chief electoral officer.

That was one of 18 recommendations David Hamilton presented in his report on recommended changes to the way territorial elections are run.

Hamilton, who doubles as clerk of the legislative assembly, also recommended:

• eliminating the right of incumbents and their families to vote in any riding they choose
• establishing a permanent list of voters to avoid the $35,000 cost of enumerating every election
• reducing the length of campaigns to 35 days from 45
• eliminating proxy voting

The recommendations were the subject of a public hearing held last week at the assembly.