Elections P.E.I. asks Islanders to be 'scent-free' at the polls

Elections P.E.I. wants to reassure voters that efforts are underway to make sure their experience at the polls is a "scent-free" one — and that includes both cigarette smoke and other fragrances that can be triggers for those with asthma or other breathing or environmental sensitivities.

According to Elections P.E.I., the Smoke Free Places Act applies to all voting locations — which means both staff and voters are required to restrict smoking to designated areas.

Paul Alan, communications director with Elections P.E.I., said efforts will be made to ensure staff respect a scent-free policy. And — if necessary — more signage will be added to polling locations to make sure the rules around smoking and strong fragrances are clear.

"Most polling locations chosen are smoke free, so they would have signs posted already," said Alan.

"But that's something we could look into further, to add additional signage if that will encourage people to get out and vote and not have to worry about scent sensitivities."

No scent complaints in the past

Alan said Elections P.E.I. hasn't received any complaints from voters in the past about strong scents — or a reluctance to head to the polls for fear of encountering them — but the goal is to make voting as accessible as possible for all, without excluding anyone.

"We're certainly not going to disenfranchise somebody if they happen to be wearing their favourite perfume or cologne that day," said Alan. "Hopefully it's not going to be an issue."

Alan said Elections P.E.I. intends to consult with returning officers on the matter, and use social media to encourage voters to respect scent sensitivities when they head to the ballot box.

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