Nova Scotia calls general election for Nov. 26

N.S. Liberals accuse PC candidate of vote buying The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has filed a complaint saying a PC candidate tried to buy votes by allegedly handing out gift cards.

Premier Tim Houston met with Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc Sunday to ask that he dissolve the General Assembly and call a general election for Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotians will be going to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

With the election announcement expected, Nova Scotia’s political party leaders planned campaign events.

PC Leader Tim Houston held a rally Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Village Tap House in Bedford, N.S.

Liberal Leader Zack Churchill hosted a media availability at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Nova Scotia Liberal Campaign headquarters. The Liberals will hold a kick-off rally at 6 p.m. at the Halifax Tower Hotel.

Claudia Chender’s New Democrats launched their campaign on Sunday in Dartmouth, N.S., at 3 p.m. at the Wooden Monkey Restaurant.

“We encourage all Nova Scotians to get out and vote,” said Premier Houston. “This is your chance to build the future of our province.”

The election campaign in Nova Scotia begins amid rising tensions between parties. On Tuesday former Liberal caucus chair Fred Tilley crossed the floor and joined the Progressive Conservatives. Tilley said he reached the personal decision because of the “sense of urgency” the Houston government has brought to provincial issues.

On Thursday the Liberals accused Tilley of a data breach.

The Liberals also filed a complaint to Elections Nova Scotia against the Progressive Conservatives Sunday. The complaint alleges that Conservatives violated the Elections Act with the “transmission of election advertising using government means.” This is a breach of section 272 of the Elections act according to the complaint.

The Liberals allege that a 21-page brochure sent out by Conservatives using tax payer money days before the snap election call violates the act.

The complaint requests that the PC Party of Nova Scotia disclose an account of their expenses and pay for the brochure as advertising.

Nova Scotia’s NDP party said Premier Houston is “breaking his first promise to Nova Scotians by calling a snap election” in a news release Sunday. The November election will take place seven months before the fixed election date on July 15, 2025, which the Conservatives set in their first piece of legislation.

Houston said in June that circumstances could change and he was no longer committed to the fixed election date.

Liberal leader Zach Churchill questioned why the PCs would call an election given their majority. He said the early election will cost taxpayers at least $13 million.

There will be 24 days available to vote during Nova Scotia’s 42nd provincial election. Voting will begin on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the returning offices in all 55 electoral districts.

Before election day voters can cast their ballot early at any voting location in the province.

After the close of candidate nominations on Nov. 6, early voting will be done using Elections Nova Scotia’s new secure e-Ballot system. Early voting before the close of candidate nominations will be done by write-in, paper ballot.

Voters can apply to vote by mail using a write-in ballot. Returning offices call also arrange for a team to visit voters at their home.

On election day, voters must vote at their assigned voting location or the returning office in their electoral district. Polls will be open on election day from 8 am – 8pm.

By law, election campaigns in Nova Scotia must be a minimum of 30 days, and the election held on a Tuesday.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.