ASSINIBOIA, Sask. – The lineup of cattle producers registering at the door sent meeting organizers looking for more chairs.
Interest in the first Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association district elections is high, and about 175 people filled a room in Assiniboia Oct. 22 where voting took place for District 3A.
The meeting started 30 minutes late to make sure everyone who wanted to vote for one of the four candidates was able to do so.
The meeting was the third of the week and represented the largest crowd so far.
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SCA management consultant Janice Bruynooghe said 116 of about 150 people in attendance in Carlyle Oct. 20 voted in District 1. The next night in Weyburn, District 2 drew 37 voters from about 55 people.
She said the lower number in Weyburn was expected and the smaller group allowed for good discussion.
Voting continued this week in Swift Current (District 3B) and Yorkton (District 5). District 4 met in Piapot although the candidate there was acclaimed.
Voting will take place in Kenaston Oct. 30, Shellbrook Nov. 5 and Tisdale Nov. 6. Meetings with acclaimed candidates are also occurring Nov. 3 in Kerrobert and Nov. 4 in Turtleford.
After each meeting’s vote, the ballot boxes are sealed with a security sticker initialed by each candidate and turned over to the district returning officer.
“All of the ballot boxes are sealed and go back to the chief returning officer in Regina,” Bruynooghe said.
“Winning candidates are officially declared at the (annual general meeting) in January.”
However, the winners will be announced sooner, after counting is complete and the candidates have been notified of the results. Vote counts will be available only to candidates.
Counting begins Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. in Regina.
Some have questioned why such a formal procedure is needed, but Bruynooghe said it is the legal process set out for agricultural development commissions.
If any of the votes result in ties, producers from the particular district will break it by voting again at the annual meeting.
