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Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Newfoundland voters concerned after apparent voter mistakes void hundreds of ballots
ST. JOHN'S - Two voters in Newfoundland say they hope Elections Canada can learn from a dramatic judicial recount that revealed hundreds of people in their riding may have marked their ballots in the wrong spot. Jennifer Barnett says she didn't receive instructions about how to mark her ballot when she voted for Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe in an advance poll ahead of the April 28 federal election. The rural Newfoundland riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is home to many seniors and others who may have needed more instruction than she received to properly fill in a ballot, Barnett said. 'Being able to vote is such a privilege, and if your vote is spoiled because of a simple error, I think it's very sad,' the 43-year-old said in a recent interview. 'I think it's very important, going forward, that we take a page from this.' Elections Canada said it has several measures in place to ensure voters have the correct instructions for filling in their ballot, including visual instructions posted on the back of voting screens. 'As we do after each election, we will look back at what went well and where we could improve things so that we can adjust our efforts to better serve electors, including the ways we communicate about how to properly mark ballots,' spokesperson Matthew McKenna said in an email. A judicial recount in the eastern Newfoundland riding last month resulted in an 'unprecedented' 1,041 disputed ballots, according to a report last week from provincial Supreme Court Justice Garrett Handrigan, who oversaw the process. On many of the disputed ballots — 'maybe as many as half,' Handrigan's report said — the voter had placed their mark in the rectangular boxes containing a candidate's name. In some of those so-called 'rectangle votes,' the elector had also made a mark in the circle to the right of the candidate's name. The Canada Elections Act is clear: any ballot 'that has not been marked in a circle at the right of the candidates' names' should be rejected. Accordingly, the judge rejected the 'rectangle votes,' his report said. In all, 819 ballots were rejected in the recount. Rowe was declared the winner, defeating Liberal Anthony Germain by 12 votes. The Liberal party said last week that it accepts the results. The average age in Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is 50, the highest among the seven ridings in the province — though not by much. In the ridings of Central Newfoundland and Long Range Mountains, the average is age 49, according to Elections Canada. There were fewer rejected ballots in both ridings — 492 and 452, respectively. Amanda Bittner, a political science professor at Memorial University in St. John's, said anything Elections Canada can do to decrease the confusion around voting is good. 'Clearly, there were a lot of voters who wanted to have their voice heard in this election, if there were that many 'confused but clear' ballots,' Bittner said in an email. 'That speaks to a gap between voter understanding of what to do and Elections Canada processes.' 'Fortunately, Elections Canada takes voter turnout very seriously, and I am sure they have already made note of this issue and are working on tweaking their processes for next time,' she added. Liberal volunteer Sheilagh Crombie-Brown said she didn't receive instructions when she cast a ballot at an advance poll in Bonavista, a community in the Terra Nova-The Peninsulas riding. She believes her 83-year-old husband would have mistakenly spoiled his ballot if she hadn't have been there to help him. The 62-year-old also hopes Elections Canada will try to figure out why so many ballots were cast incorrectly. The federal elections agency does provide instructions, she acknowledged, but if people can't read or understand them, they won't be of much use. Meanwhile, Barnett is pleased that Rowe won and she doesn't question the results of the recount. However, she hopes Elections Canada will take note of what happened and ensure it won't happen again. 'I think if they don't, they'd be doing an injustice to the whole system,' she said. 'Because when you see something of this magnitude happen, to not talk about it is just wrong.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
8 hours ago
- General
- Toronto Star
Newfoundland voters concerned after apparent voter mistakes void hundreds of ballots
ST. JOHN'S - Two voters in Newfoundland say they hope Elections Canada can learn from a dramatic judicial recount that revealed hundreds of people in their riding may have marked their ballots in the wrong spot. Jennifer Barnett says she didn't receive instructions about how to mark her ballot when she voted for Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe in an advance poll ahead of the April 28 federal election.
Toronto Sun
8 hours ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Newfoundland voters concerned after apparent voter mistakes void hundreds of ballots
Published Jun 03, 2025 • 3 minute read An elector casts a ballot in the 2025 federal election. Photo by HANDOUT / Elections Canada ST. JOHN'S — Two voters in Newfoundland say they hope Elections Canada can learn from a dramatic judicial recount that revealed hundreds of people in their riding may have marked their ballots in the wrong spot. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Jennifer Barnett says she didn't receive instructions about how to mark her ballot when she voted for Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe in an advance poll ahead of the April 28 federal election. The rural Newfoundland riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is home to many seniors and others who may have needed more instruction than she received to properly fill in a ballot, Barnett said. 'Being able to vote is such a privilege, and if your vote is spoiled because of a simple error, I think it's very sad,' the 43-year-old said in a recent interview. 'I think it's very important, going forward, that we take a page from this.' Elections Canada said it has several measures in place to ensure voters have the correct instructions for filling in their ballot, including visual instructions posted on the back of voting screens. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'As we do after each election, we will look back at what went well and where we could improve things so that we can adjust our efforts to better serve electors, including the ways we communicate about how to properly mark ballots,' spokesperson Matthew McKenna said in an email. A judicial recount in the eastern Newfoundland riding last month resulted in an 'unprecedented' 1,041 disputed ballots, according to a report last week from provincial Supreme Court Justice Garrett Handrigan, who oversaw the process. On many of the disputed ballots — 'maybe as many as half,' Handrigan's report said — the voter had placed their mark in the rectangular boxes containing a candidate's name. In some of those so-called 'rectangle votes,' the elector had also made a mark in the circle to the right of the candidate's name. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Canada Elections Act is clear: any ballot 'that has not been marked in a circle at the right of the candidates' names' should be rejected. Accordingly, the judge rejected the 'rectangle votes,' his report said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO In all, 819 ballots were rejected in the recount. Rowe was declared the winner, defeating Liberal Anthony Germain by 12 votes. The Liberal party said last week that it accepts the results. The average age in Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is 50, the highest among the seven ridings in the province — though not by much. In the ridings of Central Newfoundland and Long Range Mountains, the average is age 49, according to Elections Canada. There were fewer rejected ballots in both ridings — 492 and 452, respectively. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Amanda Bittner, a political science professor at Memorial University in St. John's, said anything Elections Canada can do to decrease the confusion around voting is good. 'Clearly, there were a lot of voters who wanted to have their voice heard in this election, if there were that many 'confused but clear' ballots,' Bittner said in an email. 'That speaks to a gap between voter understanding of what to do and Elections Canada processes.' 'Fortunately, Elections Canada takes voter turnout very seriously, and I am sure they have already made note of this issue and are working on tweaking their processes for next time,' she added. Liberal volunteer Sheilagh Crombie-Brown said she didn't receive instructions when she cast a ballot at an advance poll in Bonavista, a community in the Terra Nova-The Peninsulas riding. She believes her 83-year-old husband would have mistakenly spoiled his ballot if she hadn't have been there to help him. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The 62-year-old also hopes Elections Canada will try to figure out why so many ballots were cast incorrectly. The federal elections agency does provide instructions, she acknowledged, but if people can't read or understand them, they won't be of much use. Meanwhile, Barnett is pleased that Rowe won and she doesn't question the results of the recount. However, she hopes Elections Canada will take note of what happened and ensure it won't happen again. 'I think if they don't, they'd be doing an injustice to the whole system,' she said. 'Because when you see something of this magnitude happen, to not talk about it is just wrong.' Columnists Canada Sunshine Girls Olympics Technology
CTV News
9 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Newfoundland voters concerned after apparent voter mistakes void hundreds of ballots
Jonathan Rowe, who won the Newfoundland riding of Terra Nova—The Peninsulas for the Conservative Party after a recount, is applauded by colleagues at a meeting of the Conservative caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang ST. JOHN'S — Two voters in Newfoundland say they hope Elections Canada can learn from a dramatic judicial recount that revealed hundreds of people in their riding may have marked their ballots in the wrong spot. Jennifer Barnett says she didn't receive instructions about how to mark her ballot when she voted for Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe in an advance poll ahead of the April 28 federal election. The rural Newfoundland riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is home to many seniors and others who may have needed more instruction than she received to properly fill in a ballot, Barnett said. 'Being able to vote is such a privilege, and if your vote is spoiled because of a simple error, I think it's very sad,' the 43-year-old said in a recent interview. 'I think it's very important, going forward, that we take a page from this.' Elections Canada said it has several measures in place to ensure voters have the correct instructions for filling in their ballot, including visual instructions posted on the back of voting screens. 'As we do after each election, we will look back at what went well and where we could improve things so that we can adjust our efforts to better serve electors, including the ways we communicate about how to properly mark ballots,' spokesperson Matthew McKenna said in an email. A judicial recount in the eastern Newfoundland riding last month resulted in an 'unprecedented' 1,041 disputed ballots, according to a report last week from provincial Supreme Court Justice Garrett Handrigan, who oversaw the process. Mark in boxes On many of the disputed ballots — 'maybe as many as half,' Handrigan's report said — the voter had placed their mark in the rectangular boxes containing a candidate's name. In some of those so-called 'rectangle votes,' the elector had also made a mark in the circle to the right of the candidate's name. The Canada Elections Act is clear: any ballot 'that has not been marked in a circle at the right of the candidates' names' should be rejected. Accordingly, the judge rejected the 'rectangle votes,' his report said. In all, 819 ballots were rejected in the recount. Rowe was declared the winner, defeating Liberal Anthony Germain by 12 votes. The Liberal party said last week that it accepts the results. The average age in Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is 50, the highest among the seven ridings in the province — though not by much. In the ridings of Central Newfoundland and Long Range Mountains, the average is age 49, according to Elections Canada. There were fewer rejected ballots in both ridings — 492 and 452, respectively. Amanda Bittner, a political science professor at Memorial University in St. John's, said anything Elections Canada can do to decrease the confusion around voting is good. 'Clearly, there were a lot of voters who wanted to have their voice heard in this election, if there were that many 'confused but clear' ballots,' Bittner said in an email. 'That speaks to a gap between voter understanding of what to do and Elections Canada processes.' 'Fortunately, Elections Canada takes voter turnout very seriously, and I am sure they have already made note of this issue and are working on tweaking their processes for next time,' she added. Liberal volunteer Sheilagh Crombie-Brown said she didn't receive instructions when she cast a ballot at an advance poll in Bonavista, a community in the Terra Nova-The Peninsulas riding. She believes her 83-year-old husband would have mistakenly spoiled his ballot if she hadn't have been there to help him. The 62-year-old also hopes Elections Canada will try to figure out why so many ballots were cast incorrectly. The federal elections agency does provide instructions, she acknowledged, but if people can't read or understand them, they won't be of much use. Meanwhile, Barnett is pleased that Rowe won and she doesn't question the results of the recount. However, she hopes Elections Canada will take note of what happened and ensure it won't happen again. 'I think if they don't, they'd be doing an injustice to the whole system,' she said. 'Because when you see something of this magnitude happen, to not talk about it is just wrong.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Newfoundland voters concerned after apparent voter mistakes void hundreds of ballots
ST. JOHN'S – Two voters in Newfoundland say they hope Elections Canada can learn from a dramatic judicial recount that revealed hundreds of people in their riding may have marked their ballots in the wrong spot. Jennifer Barnett says she didn't receive instructions about how to mark her ballot when she voted for Conservative candidate Jonathan Rowe in an advance poll ahead of the April 28 federal election. The rural Newfoundland riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is home to many seniors and others who may have needed more instruction than she received to properly fill in a ballot, Barnett said. 'Being able to vote is such a privilege, and if your vote is spoiled because of a simple error, I think it's very sad,' the 43-year-old said in a recent interview. 'I think it's very important, going forward, that we take a page from this.' Elections Canada said it has several measures in place to ensure voters have the correct instructions for filling in their ballot, including visual instructions posted on the back of voting screens. 'As we do after each election, we will look back at what went well and where we could improve things so that we can adjust our efforts to better serve electors, including the ways we communicate about how to properly mark ballots,' spokesperson Matthew McKenna said in an email. A judicial recount in the eastern Newfoundland riding last month resulted in an 'unprecedented' 1,041 disputed ballots, according to a report last week from provincial Supreme Court Justice Garrett Handrigan, who oversaw the process. On many of the disputed ballots — 'maybe as many as half,' Handrigan's report said — the voter had placed their mark in the rectangular boxes containing a candidate's name. In some of those so-called 'rectangle votes,' the elector had also made a mark in the circle to the right of the candidate's name. The Canada Elections Act is clear: any ballot 'that has not been marked in a circle at the right of the candidates' names' should be rejected. Accordingly, the judge rejected the 'rectangle votes,' his report said. In all, 819 ballots were rejected in the recount. Rowe was declared the winner, defeating Liberal Anthony Germain by 12 votes. The Liberal party said last week that it accepts the results. The average age in Terra Nova-The Peninsulas is 50, the highest among the seven ridings in the province — though not by much. In the ridings of Central Newfoundland and Long Range Mountains, the average is age 49, according to Elections Canada. There were fewer rejected ballots in both ridings — 492 and 452, respectively. Amanda Bittner, a political science professor at Memorial University in St. John's, said anything Elections Canada can do to decrease the confusion around voting is good. 'Clearly, there were a lot of voters who wanted to have their voice heard in this election, if there were that many 'confused but clear' ballots,' Bittner said in an email. 'That speaks to a gap between voter understanding of what to do and Elections Canada processes.' 'Fortunately, Elections Canada takes voter turnout very seriously, and I am sure they have already made note of this issue and are working on tweaking their processes for next time,' she added. Liberal volunteer Sheilagh Crombie-Brown said she didn't receive instructions when she cast a ballot at an advance poll in Bonavista, a community in the Terra Nova-The Peninsulas riding. She believes her 83-year-old husband would have mistakenly spoiled his ballot if she hadn't have been there to help him. The 62-year-old also hopes Elections Canada will try to figure out why so many ballots were cast incorrectly. The federal elections agency does provide instructions, she acknowledged, but if people can't read or understand them, they won't be of much use. Meanwhile, Barnett is pleased that Rowe won and she doesn't question the results of the recount. However, she hopes Elections Canada will take note of what happened and ensure it won't happen again. 'I think if they don't, they'd be doing an injustice to the whole system,' she said. 'Because when you see something of this magnitude happen, to not talk about it is just wrong.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
