The writ period under Nunavut law may last as long as thirty five days, so the earliest date the election could have begun was September 22, 2008.

[3] Prior to the official announcement the election had been widely speculated going back to late 2007, as the Premier had been openly talking about going to the polls.

Provisions are also being established to allow paperless voting by radio and satellite phone from very remote locations.

Absentee ballots for students and inmates living or incarcerated outside of the territory will be made available by registration beginning on September 22, 2008.

[5] Prior to the election in the last sitting of the Assembly, members debated tightening up eligibility requirements for preventing persons convicted of criminal offences.

Incumbent Keith Peterson won his second term in office after his acclamation in the Cambridge Bay electoral district.

The lack of candidates on election day surprised the constituency, causing former incumbent Olayuk Akesuk to muse about coming out of retirement for another term if no one else wanted to step forward.

Former Member of Parliament and Nunavut MLA Jack Anawak attempted to file nomination papers to run for election in the electoral district of Akulliq.

[17] A judicial recount was conducted, but resulted in Ningark and Mapsalak each receiving exactly 157 votes, thus forcing a second by-election.