Stormy weather hampers delivery to eight NWT communities
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Nov 27/00) - It was close, but no air drops were required in the Western Arctic this election.
With weather preventing shipment of ballot boxes to eight communities until late last week, Elections Canada was prepared to drop ballot boxes from military aircraft to ensure all Northerners could vote in today's federal election.
Friday evening and Saturday, ballot boxes finally reached Holman, Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Fort Liard, Kakisa and Tulita.
Efforts to get the boxes to the communities began Nov. 17, but a four-day fog in Yellowknife, mixed with high winds and blowing snow in the Mackenzie Delta, made delivery impossible.
Three attempts to fly a box to Holman were turned back before the weather finally cleared enough for a flight to land, said David Connelly, chief electoral officer for the Western Arctic.
"Jean-Pierre Kingsley, chief electoral officer of Canada, expressed his gratitude to all involved in the ingenious solutions, including First Air, Northwright Air, Aklak Air, the pilots and crews, NWT ferries, the Department of National Defence and Canada Post," Connelly said.
List trouble
Voters should expect some delays at polling stations across the NWT.
Advanced polls indicated 62 per cent of voters were either not on the voters list or not properly entered on the list. Election officials are anticipating a similar percentage of registration difficulties today.
"If you show up at a polling station where you live, you can vote," assured Connelly.
Voters not on the list will need identification that shows their name, address and signature. A bill can be used as proof of address.
Elections Canada Western Arctic has hired extra staff -- bringing their total number close to 400 -- to deal with the delays.
Connelly advised voters to cast their ballots before 3 p.m. if they wish to avoid delays.
Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
