Chief N.L. Elections Officer Calls on Authorities to Delay Vote Amid COVID Outbreak

Liberal Leader Andrew Furey, left to right, Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie and NDP Leader Alison Coffin pose for a photo following their televised debate from the floor of the House of Assembly in St. John's N.L. on February 3, 2021. Paul Daly/The Canadian Press

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Amid climbing COVID-19 case numbers and community spread in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief electoral officer is calling on authorities to postpone the vote in Saturday’s provincial election.

On Thursday morning, Bruce Chaulk sent a letter to party leaders saying people who’d signed up to work at polling stations on Saturday were backing out in droves over fears of contracting and spreading COVID−19.