Over the last few days - I've heard some questioning about who can vote in the City of Williams Lake election and why candidates who don't live in the City can run
On Candidates:
Provincial law clearly stipulates that a candidate NEED NOT reside in the Regional District (RD) Electoral Area, School District (SD) Trustee Zone or Municipality in order to run. The only requirement is that they meet the number of nominators required to submit their nominations properly. In this area's case - you need two electors (voters) who reside in the RD Electoral Area, SD Zone, or Municipality to nominate a candidate.
Some would argue candidates who don't live in the municipality, RD Electoral Area, or SD Zone should be prohibited from running. A very valid argument and one I tried to advance personally after the 2008 Local Elections, however Victoria has made it clear to me that they don't intend to change this rule unless it comes from the UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities). During this election - you can bring up this topic if you feel strongly that only candidates who reside in a municipality, RD Electoral Area or SD Zone should be the only ones permitted to run
On Voting:
In addition to those who rent or own property in the municipality, RD Electoral Area or SD Zone in question and are on the voting list, those who own property in the 4 muncipalities or a RD Electoral Area but live elsewhere can apply for a "Non-Resident Elector Form". For more details on this, please contact:
Cariboo Regional District - Contact Alice Johnston at ajohnston@cariboord.bc.ca or 250-392-3351
City of Williams Lake - Contact Cindy Bouchard at cbouchard@williamslake.ca or 250-392-1773
City of Quesnel - Contact Lori Scott at lscott@quesnel.ca or 250-992-2111
District of Wells - Contact Sundance Topham at townhall@district.wells.bc.ca or 250-994-3330
District of 100 Mile - Contact Donna Bellingham at dbellingham@dist100milehouse.bc.ca or 250-395-2434
Finally - with the deadline having expired yesterday to challenge nomination documents in Court, candidates in all local elections (who haven't been acclaimed) have until Friday at 4pm to withdraw. After that - the local Chief Election Officers will then issue the "Notice of Election by Voting" which will include the formalized candidate lists and place to vote - both Advance and General Voting
SBF
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