While this fall’s Local Government Elections are still a few months away, the nomination process for potential candidates is underway in the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Nomination papers are now available for the Regional District of Central Okanagan Director and School Trustee elections on Nov. 15.

Those people picking up nomination papers for the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area directors elections and the School District No. 23 Zone 1 (Central Okanagan East Electoral area and District of Lake Country) and Zone 2 (Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation reserves #9 and #10) elections have between 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 and 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 to file their completed nomination papers.  Late nominations will not be accepted.

Two qualified electors from the jurisdiction for which a person is nominated must sign the nomination papers of any potential candidate.  As well, candidates must be a Canadian citizen at least 18 years of age on election day, have lived in B.C. for six months and not be disqualified from voting.  Candidates are not required to reside in the jurisdiction in which they are running.  Successful candidates will sit for a four-year term which expires in the fall of 2018.

Potential candidates in the Regional District elections should contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Election Officer in order to book an appointment prior to the deadline to ensure their nomination papers are complete.  Appointments can be booked by calling 250-763-4918 and asking for the Election officials.  Candidates for Zone 1 School Trustee may also pick up and file nomination papers at the District of Lake Country election office, while those in Zone 2 may do the same at the District of Peachland election office.  A nomination deposit of $100 is required for School Trustee candidates.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan website has a page of information and links for those people who may be considering running for local office (www.regionaldistrict.com/elections).  Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, ““Potential candidates may wish to consider the time commitment, remuneration, financial disclosure and reporting and other legal responsibilities that come with holding public office.  Our website Candidate Information page also has links to pertinent bylaws in the Regional District and to the detailed and informative ‘Candidates Guide for Local Elections in British Columbia’, ‘What Every Candidate Needs to Know’ and ‘The Guide to Supporting a Candidate’, all prepared by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.  You’ll also find links to the Local Government Act and Provincial webpages explaining the Regional District form of local government.”

News from © iNFOnews, 2014