Overview
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador wants to hear from residents as it reviews the Municipal Elections Act (the Act). The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is asking interested groups and members of the public to share their views.
We want to know what is working, what is not working and how the Act could be improved. Broader matters related to municipal governance, individual municipal election outcomes, or specific local disputes are outside the scope of this review unless they directly relate to the Act.
Your feedback will help the department develop recommendations to modernize the Act.
The Act was introduced in 2001, though much of its wording comes from the Municipalities Act, 1979.
When preparing your submission, you may wish to consider these topics:
- Accessibility
- Alternative voting methods
- Communication and public awareness
- Criminal background checks
- Election date
- Modern language
- Polling station conduct
- Qualification of candidates
- Recounts and post-election procedures
- Residency definition and eligibility to vote
- Use of electronic devices
- Voter identification requirements
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is also meeting with identified interest holders. Feedback collected from those discussions and from written submissions will help shape a future public questionnaire on engageNL.
Send your written submissions by November 16, 2026.
For further information about the consultation process, please contact:
Sharmane Allen
Director of Legislative Affairs
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Email: SharmaneAllen@gov.nl.ca
Phone: 709-729-2043
Written Submissions
You can provide feedback in writing using one of the options below. Written submissions will be accepted until November 16, 2026.
Email
MEAreview@gov.nl.ca
Mail
Municipal Elections Act Review
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6