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News Release - Voters head to the polls during a pandemic

Monday, October 26, 2020

This fall, Canadians in multiple provinces are heading to the polls to choose a new leader, or member of parliament. Queen’s expert Jacob Robbins-Kanter is available to speak about the significance of these outcomes. 

Saskatchewan election
“Saskatchewan is the third province to hold an election during the COVID-19 pandemic” says Robbins-Kanter. “Most Premiers saw their popularity increase significantly during the pandemic. This increased favourability may tempt some Premiers to call an election. However, the perceived risk to public health from an election call is also a strong disincentive.  
 

  British Columbia election 

“The BC election was significant in that the NDP government was not punished for the decision to hold an election in a populous province that has at times struggled to keep the virus under control. Incumbent John Horgan benefited from favourable public opinion towards his government's handling of the pandemic, with Horgan winning a majority government and becoming the province's first two-term NDP Premier. In Saskatchewan, COVID-19 cases recently reached all-time highs, but Premier Scott Moe is expected to easily win re-election.” 

 

To arrange an interview, please contact communications officer Anne Craig (613-533-2877 or anne.craig@queensu.ca) or Julie Brown (julie.brown@queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada. 

 

 

Follow Queen’s News and Media Services on Twitter: http://twitter.com/QueensuMedia.   

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