New Chief Electoral Officer Sworn in at Elections Yukon

Monday, 29 October 2018 13:01

Maxwell Harvey was officially sworn in last Friday at the Legislative Assembly.

There is a new chief electoral officer for Elections Yukon.

A ceremony to sworn in Maxwell Harvey occurred on Friday at the Legislative Assembly, and his goal in the new position will be to increase voter turnout to 100 percent.

Maxwell Harvey spoke with CHON News and told us a little about his background.

"I came here from St. Johns, Newfoundland at the end of August to take up the position here. Prior to that, I worked at at my own consulting company... I was also in the navy for over 30 years."

Harvey also suggests the number of venues to host polling stations and options aren't satisfactory in the territory.

He told CHON News his top priorities in his role with Elections Yukon.

"One of them is the integrity of the electoral process...that speaks to having legislation, process and compliance. Also (we want) to remove physical barriers as well as the psychological psychological barriers that sometimes prevent people from going to the polls."

Modernizing to a permanent register, enhancing readiness for polling days and conducting more outreach for potential voters are other initiatives Harvey says he will pursue.

Harvey originally comes from Newfoundland, and his previous experience includes time in the civil service and as a navy boat captain.

He resumes the role from Lori McKee, who retired this past May.

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