The Praxis Analytics polling released this past week is very interesting. It bears repeating the numbers here; Sask Party 63.4%, NDP 26.1%, Liberal 5.9%, Green 3% and 'Others' 1.5%. 800 folks were sampled during the last week of August and the first week of September.
The implications of these results should be obvious to anyone with a functioning brain. With the Sask Party now polling over 60% provincewide, it now commands most of the free enterprise vote and some of the NDP electoral base too. Brad Wall and the Sask Party have the potential with these numbers to win every one of the 58 seats in the Legislature. This means MLAs like Warren McCall in the fabled NDP stronghold of Regina Elphinstone-Centre are even in the fight of their lives. The NDP will struggle this fall to win any seats at all.
It appears that Brad Wall's popularity is growing,and the hatred of Dwain Lingenfelter is also growing. Wall has played all of moves right, and the province's population and economy both continue to grow hand in hand. Meanwhile 'Link' completely underestimated his Sask Party opponents when he returned to Saskatchewan in 2009, and thought he would cruise back into government easily. It will be most curious to see which of its 20 seats the NDP can hang onto on November 7.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Enumerators Are Out
Having just completed our enumeration I thought I'd let people know about a few things that may be helpful for some households.
First, all voters will be required to produce identification at the poll, providing proof of name, and physical address. More information on this can be found at www.elections.sk.ca
Advance Polls will be held:
Tuesday, November 1st through Friday, November 4th, 2011
from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. CST.
And on Saturday, November 5th, 2011
from 12 noon until 7 p.m. CST.
Election Day is November 7th.
Again, further information on this is available at www.elections.sk.ca
In my home, it is likely at least one of us will be away for work during the advance polls and on election day. When I asked about this, I was surprised and happy to be handed an application for a mail in ballot, called Absentee Voter Information form E-127, complete with an envelope to mail it in with. The number to call for information about absentee voting is 1-855-879-8013.
Enumerators are easy to spot. They are wearing neon yellow vests, and come to your door with a clipboard. The process is simple and quick, and the gal doing the job in my area was well-informed and prepared.
This job - done well - makes a big difference to voters, and candidates alike. A big thank you from SaskPolitics1 to those enumerating this time around.
First, all voters will be required to produce identification at the poll, providing proof of name, and physical address. More information on this can be found at www.elections.sk.ca
Advance Polls will be held:
Tuesday, November 1st through Friday, November 4th, 2011
from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. CST.
And on Saturday, November 5th, 2011
from 12 noon until 7 p.m. CST.
Election Day is November 7th.
Again, further information on this is available at www.elections.sk.ca
In my home, it is likely at least one of us will be away for work during the advance polls and on election day. When I asked about this, I was surprised and happy to be handed an application for a mail in ballot, called Absentee Voter Information form E-127, complete with an envelope to mail it in with. The number to call for information about absentee voting is 1-855-879-8013.
Enumerators are easy to spot. They are wearing neon yellow vests, and come to your door with a clipboard. The process is simple and quick, and the gal doing the job in my area was well-informed and prepared.
This job - done well - makes a big difference to voters, and candidates alike. A big thank you from SaskPolitics1 to those enumerating this time around.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
New provincial election poll
Be sure to check out our new provincial election poll - tell us which party you plan to vote for on November 7, and be sure to tell us why here.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
More reflection on the shakeup in the Green Party of Saskatchewan
Yesterday's big news about the shakeup within the Green Party of Saskatchewan is very interesting, and merits further analysis. After all, it is not every day that the leader of a political party quits and joins another party.
So what are we to make of Larissa Shasko's departure from Leader of the Green Party? The irony is that Shasko has generated more media attention with her move to Yens Pedersen's NDP campaign in Regina South than she did as Leader of the Greens. One cannot help but wonder what motivated Shasko to make this defection. The timing is very deliberate, obviously timed to sting the Greens as we are now just over 2 months away from voting day. Regardless of whether one sees Shasko's defection as a betrayal or a smart move, the perception that this move was intended to hurt the Greens is self-evident. It can also be argued that some in the Saskatchewan NDP have come to see the seatless Greens as a threat to their own electoral fortunes this fall. It may very well be that Shasko has now burned her Green bridges behind her. But it may also be that this move sparks a rapid political rise within the NDP with for Shasko, who knows?
The departure of Shasko from the Green Party leadership and the subsequent rise of Victor Lau to that same post places the Greens at an electoral crossroads. While Lau has not achieved an electoral success yet, he is a seasoned political figure in our political culture. Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with Lau's political beliefs, it can likely be agreed that Lau is well spoken as a would-be politician and handles himself well. But only time will tell whether the Greens have been handed a setback or an opportunity. We will soon find out one way or another.
So what are we to make of Larissa Shasko's departure from Leader of the Green Party? The irony is that Shasko has generated more media attention with her move to Yens Pedersen's NDP campaign in Regina South than she did as Leader of the Greens. One cannot help but wonder what motivated Shasko to make this defection. The timing is very deliberate, obviously timed to sting the Greens as we are now just over 2 months away from voting day. Regardless of whether one sees Shasko's defection as a betrayal or a smart move, the perception that this move was intended to hurt the Greens is self-evident. It can also be argued that some in the Saskatchewan NDP have come to see the seatless Greens as a threat to their own electoral fortunes this fall. It may very well be that Shasko has now burned her Green bridges behind her. But it may also be that this move sparks a rapid political rise within the NDP with for Shasko, who knows?
The departure of Shasko from the Green Party leadership and the subsequent rise of Victor Lau to that same post places the Greens at an electoral crossroads. While Lau has not achieved an electoral success yet, he is a seasoned political figure in our political culture. Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with Lau's political beliefs, it can likely be agreed that Lau is well spoken as a would-be politician and handles himself well. But only time will tell whether the Greens have been handed a setback or an opportunity. We will soon find out one way or another.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Greens Have a New Leader
One can never say politics in Saskatchewan is boring. Just like that, things change!
Today, Larrisa Shasko announced she is stepping down as leader of the Green Party in Saskatchewan. Victor Lau, as deputy leader, is now the new leader.
Mr. Lau is the candidate for Regina Douglas Park. The current MLA for this constituency is NDP Leader Dwayne Lingenfelter.
Two provincial party leaders running in the same seat? Of course, more will follow on this.
Today, Larrisa Shasko announced she is stepping down as leader of the Green Party in Saskatchewan. Victor Lau, as deputy leader, is now the new leader.
Mr. Lau is the candidate for Regina Douglas Park. The current MLA for this constituency is NDP Leader Dwayne Lingenfelter.
Two provincial party leaders running in the same seat? Of course, more will follow on this.
And it is on...
The last gorgeous long weekend of summer is over. The Riders won. Labour Day activities were observed and enjoyed. The ads have begun.
In sixty-two days most people in this province will head to their local polling station to cast a ballot.
What can we expect between now and then? Well, lots.
There will be lots of advertising, both prior to and of course after, the official writ period - another month away, by the way.
All candidates, should be on the doors en masse. Those who are truly serious about actually hearing what people have to say, have been at this for quite some time now and some are well on their way to completing follow-up canvases of the constituency they are seeking office in.
We can expect the so-called 'special interest' groups - which isn't really fair, they simply are organizations bringing information forward - to increase the volume, intensity and frequency of their messages as well.
And, we can expect the main provincial campaign between the leaders to ramp up significantly.
What about this site?
This site is geared to be about sanity. A level playing field.
This is the place where busy people will be able to come, to quickly gauge the tones and issues of the day quickly and easily. The twitter feed at the top, direct from the parties, puts all of their words together in one place. The twitter feed along the side - has what others are saying about Saskatchewan Politics at any given moment. Those with no connection to Twitter can still reap its benefits here.
This is the place where people who are wanting to privately learn more about the issues and the parties - young people, the un-engaged - can come to easily find the information they seek. There will be links and pages to help people find candidate websites, Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds (if they so wish), and there are links to Elections Saskatchewan pages and other places where pertinent fact-based information can be found. It is our goal to provide information in such a way, that people who have rarely, or never, voted before will be able to build the confidence and interest to do so privately and at their leisure.
It is our goal, to serve both the busy politico and the learning voter.
Candidates, campaign teams, and active volunteers, this site is here to help you engage voters. When you encounter the people who you sense are tuned out, not just from you, but from the process, offer them an opportunity to explore on their own. Sure, you lose a bit of control over the message, but it is human nature for people to respect the person who shows them respect. Please trust that will count for something.
Also, candidates and campaign teams. As pages go up here linking our visitors through to your contact pages and information, please take a moment and check your links. If there are any changes that need to be made, please email us at saskpolitics1@gmail.com. It is our most sincere desire to present a fair and accurate platform for everyone.
As a final note... Congratulations to each and every person who has opted to put their name forward for election. Many have considered it, but you have done it. You have our most sincere admiration and respect, we hope we serve you well in your quest to ultimately serve others.
Our best wishes to everyone involved. The race is now on.
In sixty-two days most people in this province will head to their local polling station to cast a ballot.
What can we expect between now and then? Well, lots.
There will be lots of advertising, both prior to and of course after, the official writ period - another month away, by the way.
All candidates, should be on the doors en masse. Those who are truly serious about actually hearing what people have to say, have been at this for quite some time now and some are well on their way to completing follow-up canvases of the constituency they are seeking office in.
We can expect the so-called 'special interest' groups - which isn't really fair, they simply are organizations bringing information forward - to increase the volume, intensity and frequency of their messages as well.
And, we can expect the main provincial campaign between the leaders to ramp up significantly.
What about this site?
This site is geared to be about sanity. A level playing field.
This is the place where busy people will be able to come, to quickly gauge the tones and issues of the day quickly and easily. The twitter feed at the top, direct from the parties, puts all of their words together in one place. The twitter feed along the side - has what others are saying about Saskatchewan Politics at any given moment. Those with no connection to Twitter can still reap its benefits here.
This is the place where people who are wanting to privately learn more about the issues and the parties - young people, the un-engaged - can come to easily find the information they seek. There will be links and pages to help people find candidate websites, Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds (if they so wish), and there are links to Elections Saskatchewan pages and other places where pertinent fact-based information can be found. It is our goal to provide information in such a way, that people who have rarely, or never, voted before will be able to build the confidence and interest to do so privately and at their leisure.
It is our goal, to serve both the busy politico and the learning voter.
Candidates, campaign teams, and active volunteers, this site is here to help you engage voters. When you encounter the people who you sense are tuned out, not just from you, but from the process, offer them an opportunity to explore on their own. Sure, you lose a bit of control over the message, but it is human nature for people to respect the person who shows them respect. Please trust that will count for something.
Also, candidates and campaign teams. As pages go up here linking our visitors through to your contact pages and information, please take a moment and check your links. If there are any changes that need to be made, please email us at saskpolitics1@gmail.com. It is our most sincere desire to present a fair and accurate platform for everyone.
As a final note... Congratulations to each and every person who has opted to put their name forward for election. Many have considered it, but you have done it. You have our most sincere admiration and respect, we hope we serve you well in your quest to ultimately serve others.
Our best wishes to everyone involved. The race is now on.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Happy Labour Day everyone
We at Sask Politics 1 would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Labour Day. This is a day when all working people in the province have the opportunity to take a break and take stock of their working lives. This year, Labour Day has added importance in Saskatchewan. It is very likely that with a fixed election date of November 7, the provincial election campaign will unofficially begin tomorrow. The election writ will not be dropped until the end of September, but the parties are expected to release their full advertising blitz and intense on-the-ground campaigning from this week onward. Please be sure to check this website every day during the provincial election campaign for new and up-to-date information on the election campaign as it unfolds.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Will voter apathy drive down turnout on November 7?
Will voter apathy drive down voter turnout on November 7? It is tempting to say yes and leave it at that. Certainly voter apathy will arguably be the greatest challenge Premier Brad Wall faces in the election campaign this fall. The onus is on the Premier to motivate his own supporters to not take the outcome this November as a foregone conclusion and get them to vote. In the face of overwhelming odds, Dwain Lingenfelter and the Saskatchewan NDP face a similar task. However, fear of annihilation at the polls may actually motivate New Democrats to get out and work for the party, Link or no Link.
Thus the challenge facing Premier Wall is potentially more elusive. Or maybe not. Being the Premier of Saskatchewan, Wall can potentially provide incentives for party members to work this fall, with promises of jobs, board appointments and the like. Given his powerful orator abilities, it may also be that Wall can fire up his supporters with great speeches. Whatever the case, it is up to the Premier and his key people to ensure that Sask Party members are highly motivated to work hard and ensure a landslide election win.
Thus the challenge facing Premier Wall is potentially more elusive. Or maybe not. Being the Premier of Saskatchewan, Wall can potentially provide incentives for party members to work this fall, with promises of jobs, board appointments and the like. Given his powerful orator abilities, it may also be that Wall can fire up his supporters with great speeches. Whatever the case, it is up to the Premier and his key people to ensure that Sask Party members are highly motivated to work hard and ensure a landslide election win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)