General Election, 20 September 2021

Hurricane Larry, September 2021 

Hurricane Larry made landfall in eastern Newfoundland as a Category 1 storm on 10 September 2021, bringing heavy winds and torrential rains. Larry sustained winds of 120 km/h and left St. John’s and the surrounding area—about 60,000 households—without power. Several trees were uprooted and the roof of a school collapsed. The public was advised to remain off the roads as power lines and debris presented risks to traffic (CBC 2021; Sosnowski 2021).  

Impact on the electoral process 

Several advance polls in Newfoundland had to shut down early on 10 September due to the hurricane; some in St. John’s East and St. John’s South-Mount Pearl had to stay closed because of power outages on 11 September but were able to reopen on 12 September (Elections Canada 2022; Global News 2021).  

The hurricane was closely watched by Elections Canada, with contingency plans set in place for the areas at risk. Extra computer equipment was provided in case of damage to existing appliances, and landline phones installed in collaboration with wider stakeholders (Elections Canada 2022). 

Voter turnout was 62.25 per cent, presenting a decrease compared to the 2019 parliamentary election which had a turnout of 67.65 per cent (International IDEA n.d.).