Statement from Premier MacLauchlan

Over the past 10 days, Prince Edward Islanders have had an unprecedented opportunity to express their views on our electoral system.

I thank and acknowledge Islanders who engaged in the process. I recognize the work of Elections PEI to undertake a full education campaign, Islanders who spoke up and advocated for their views, and all citizens who cast a vote.

Through social media, opinion pieces in the media, and forums, there was healthy debate expressing all views.

I particularly want to recognize the 16-and-17-year-old voters who, for the first time, participated in our democracy by casting a vote. This was an historic opportunity for our youth that I am confident will encourage them to stay engaged in the political process.

Notwithstanding historic innovations in the methods and time-frame to cast a ballot, offering multiple options to vote on-line, by telephone and in-person over a ten-day period, Island voters responded at a rate substantially below our well-established voting track record.

Our caucus will meet tomorrow to deliberate upon the plebiscite results. I will have a further statement Tuesday afternoon.

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