What Is 24th New Brunswick general election

Overview

The 24th New Brunswick general election took place on September 14, 2020, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s political landscape. Voters elected 49 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent their constituencies in Fredericton.

This election was notable for its tight results and the historic rise of the Green Party. Despite pandemic-related challenges, voter turnout remained strong, reflecting public engagement in the democratic process.

• Blaine Higgs led the Progressive Conservative Party into the election as Premier, campaigning on economic recovery and fiscal responsibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The election resulted in a majority government for the Progressive Conservatives, who won 27 of 49 seats, surpassing the 25 needed for a majority.
• The New Brunswick Liberal Party, led by Kevin Vickers, secured 17 seats, falling short of forming government but remaining the official opposition.
• The Green Party of New Brunswick, under David Coon, won 3 seats, making it the first Green Party to serve as the official opposition in a Canadian province.
• Voter turnout was recorded at 66.8%, a slight increase from the 2018 election, indicating sustained public interest despite health concerns.

How It Works

New Brunswick holds general elections under a first-past-the-post system, where each riding elects one MLA. The party with the most seats typically forms government, either as a majority or minority.

• Term: The fixed election date was set for September 2020 under the Electoral Reform Act, but the Premier can request an early dissolution. The 24th election was held on schedule.
• Each of the 49 electoral districts uses a simple plurality system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
• Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of New Brunswick, with proof of identity and address required at polling stations.
• Advanced voting was expanded in 2020 to 10 days to accommodate safety concerns, allowing over 100,000 people to vote early.
• Mail-in ballots were also available, with 13,500 applications received, a significant increase from previous elections due to pandemic precautions.
• The Chief Electoral Officer, Kimball C. Burton, oversaw election integrity, reporting results, and compliance with the Electoral Act.
• Results were declared within hours of polls closing, with all ridings reported by late evening on election night.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2020 election results compare to the previous 2018 election and national trends:

The Progressive Conservatives gained five seats compared to 2018, while the Green Party doubled its representation. The People's Alliance lost both its seats, and two independents were elected, reflecting voter fragmentation. This shift signaled growing support for environmental issues and dissatisfaction with traditional party politics.

Why It Matters

The 24th New Brunswick general election reshaped provincial governance and set a precedent for Green political influence in Canada. Its outcomes continue to impact policy and electoral strategies.

• The Green Party’s role as official opposition highlighted climate change as a central issue in provincial debates, pushing other parties to strengthen environmental platforms.
• Blaine Higgs’ majority allowed for smoother legislative passage, enabling faster action on economic recovery initiatives post-pandemic.
• The election demonstrated the viability of minor parties in Atlantic Canada, encouraging similar movements in other provinces.
• Increased use of advanced and mail-in voting set a precedent for future elections, improving accessibility during public health crises.
• The decline of the People's Alliance underscored the challenges small parties face in maintaining momentum without broad geographic support.
• Record engagement from younger voters, particularly in urban ridings, suggests a shift toward progressive and sustainability-focused politics.

Overall, the 2020 election was a turning point for New Brunswick, blending traditional governance with emerging political dynamics. Its legacy continues to influence provincial policy and democratic participation.