Special balloting for the October 9 general election apparently began on August 20.
The Elections NL didn't issue a news release until today.
That's an interesting timing.
The Elections Act provides that "An application to vote by special ballot may be made to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer beginning not more than 4 weeks before the issue of the writ of election and ending at 6:00 p.m. on a day to be determined by the Chief Electoral Officer."
That provision was added to the act by an amendment approved in the legislature just this past spring.
So what do we know?
Well, the writ will drop sometime within the four weeks from August 20. Most likely the official campaign will be short, lasting only the legal minimum.
However, there's nothing to stop an elector from legally applying for a special ballot this week, getting it before the writ is dropped and having their mind made up - and their vote cast and in the box - well before the official campaign begins.
How many votes will be cast before the writ of election is actually issued?
We'll know on October 9.
Anyone doubt now that the election campaign has already been unofficially under way since late June?
Update and correction: An eagle-eyed e-mailer pointed out an obvious point. The ballots can't be mailed until after the writ drops and Elections NL nominations close.
Still.
It'll be interesting to see how many people apply and vote early.
-srbp-