The District of 100 Mile House is moving ahead with its by-election to replace former Coun. Ralph Fossum.
At the regular council meeting on Tuesday, April 9, Sheena Elias, the council’s director of financial administration, was appointed the by-election’s chief election officer. She told council that the election is scheduled to take place on June 22, with advanced voting taking place on June 12.
The role of a chief election officer is to ensure the election runs in compliance with all applicable legislation, including putting out all official notices, receiving nomination packages, preparing ballots and mail ballot packages, attend voting opportunities and participate in the ballot count.
Elias stated in an e-mail to the Free Press that residents can vote in the advanced poll and by-election at the District of 100 Mile House Council Chambers between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters are required to bring two pieces of identification, including “at least one with a signature” that must prove both residency (street address) and identity according to the district’s website.
Mail ballot voting is also available for this election: to request one, you must contact Elias at 250-395-2434 or at selias@100milehouse.com
The nomination period for candidates will be open between May 7 and May 17.
READ MORE: 100 Mile House to run by-election in June to replace Ralph Fossum
Those eligible to be nominated and elected in 100 Mile House must be a Canadian citizen, be 18 years of age or older on June 22, 2024, be a resident of British Columbia “for at least six months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed” and cannot be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other “enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office, or otherwise disqualified by law.”
In the District of 100 Mile House, two electors must nominate a candidate before they can run for office.
Nomination packages will be available to be picked up starting April 22 at the District of 100 Mile House office located at 385 Birch Avenue.
Residents of 100 Mile House, Elias said, will begin “to see notices with important dates and communication to encourage District residents to remember to vote” in the coming weeks. These notices will be posted on the District of 100 Mile House’s website, as well as on the posting board and e-mail subscription, in addition to also being advertised in the Free Press.
Joining Elias in conducting the election is Andrea Frisby, who was named deputy chief election officer. The role of the deputy chief election officer is to “help prepare for the election, fill in for the Chief Election Officer if required,” and “attend the voting opportunities and participate in the voter count.”
The BC government states that serving the community can be a “rewarding experience” - and that people can run to be “actively involved in the local decision-making process, contribute your experience and knowledge to the community, address issues or lead change in your community.”
