Want to make a difference in the political life of our community? If you think you have what it takes to become the next mayor, City councillor or public school trustee you can pick up a nomination package from City Hall starting on Friday, August 22.
In a statement from City Hall, Chief Election Officer Teresa LeRose said nomination packages will also be available electronically on the City website at http://revelstoke.ca/index.aspx?nid=363
“Prospective candidates for local government office and for the office of school trustee must be nominated by two eligible electors of the City of Revelstoke,” said LeRose who was appointed to the post by City Council in March.
To be eligible to run for local government a person must be:
- A Canadian citizen;
- 18 years of age or older on or before general voting day;
- resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; and
- Not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other legislation from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding elected office.
The nomination period is the only time during which the Chief Election Officer is permitted to accept nomination documents from nominees for office. The nomination period begins at 9 am on Tuesday, September 30, and ends ten days later at 4 pm on Friday, October 10. Nomination packages must be accompanied by a $50 nomination deposit fee.
The local government election will be held on Saturday, November 15, at the Community Centre. Voters will cast their ballots for one mayor, six councillors and five public school trustees.
Recent changes to the Local Government Act increase the term of the office to four years instead of three years. They also require third-party advertisers to register with Elections BC, identify donors of $50 and more and report expenditures for the first time. The changes also require all election advertising to clearly name a sponsor. As well, all campaign donations and expenses are to be published on the Elections BC website.
For the first time ever the City will also be introducing a mail-in ballot for voters who will be away during on voting day.
“The City now has the option for eligible electors to submit a mail-in ballot if they are expecting to be absent from the City during voting opportunities in November 2014,” LeRose said. “Please ensure that you are on the Voters List and take the opportunity to vote.”
If you would like to confirm that you are on the Voters List please call the Administration Department at 250-837-2911 during regular office hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
A Calendar of Elections Events is also available on the City website at http://revelstoke.ca/index.aspx?NID=361.
