Sask. government rejects use of electronic vote counting machines in 2024 general election

Despite a successful test run in the most recent byelections, the Saskatchewan government has shot down any idea of using electronic vote counting machines in the next provincial election.

Despite a successful test run in the most recent byelections, the Saskatchewan government has shot down any idea of using electronic vote counting machines in the next provincial election.

In all three byelections on Aug. 10, the technology was used in tandem with electronic poll books, which are essentially laptops that election workers can use to verify voters.

“Our system is antiquated,” said Election Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer Michael Boda.

“It needs to be improved, but it also needs to address the needs of a 21st century voter.”

In an effort to modernize the election process, Boda submitted directives to the Legislative Assembly’s Board of Internal Economy.

The directives include:

The board accepted the first three and rejected the others.