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VERNON - Voters head to the polls Saturday to elect a new mayor and council for the City of Vernon, and there’s bound to be some big changes in leadership.

There are four contenders for mayor and 20 choices for councillor, making it a much more crowded ballot than people will remember four years ago, when there were just 14 options for councillor along with five for mayor. When the polls close Saturday night, there will be space for just six councillors and one mayor.

With the sudden passing of longtime Coun. Bob Spiers earlier this year, and the decision of veteran politicians like Catherine Lord and Juliette Cunningham to bow out of the race, there’s lots of room for newcomers.

Those vying for mayor are Victor Cumming, Art Gourley, Erik Olesen and Darrin Taylor. None have previously held office. Former Mayor Akbal Mund has chosen to run instead for a councillor seat this term.

Incumbent councillors Dalvir Nahal, Scott Anderson and Brian Quiring are asking voters to bring them back for another four years. Many more candidates are asking citizens for a chance to show Vernon what they can do. 

The big day is Saturday, Oct. 20, with voting stations opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. at the following locations:

• Ellison Elementary School, 2400 Fulton Rd
• Vernon Secondary School, 2100 15 St.
• Greater Vernon Recreation Centre, 3310 37 Ave.

Go here for more information about voter eligibility and what you need to bring with you on voting day. 

Voters have their work cut out for them choosing from one of the longest lists of candidates in years. If you haven’t decided yet, there’s still time to find out about your options. Go here for all of our Vernon municipal election coverage to date.

Voters will also have the job of deciding whether or not to support borrowing $25 million for a brand new multi-purpose cultural facility that would house the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum and Archives. Read more about the cultural facility here.

But voters aren’t done yet — they’ll also have to choose representatives for the local school board. Go here to find out who’s running for a seat on School District 22’s board of nine trustees.

iNFOnews.ca will be providing up-to-the-minute coverage as results come in on Saturday night. Follow us online, on Facebook or on Twitter @infonewsvernon. 

VERNON MAYORAL CANDIDATES:

Victor Cumming

Art Gourley

Erik Olesen

Darrin Taylor

VERNON COUNCIL CANDIDATES:

Akbal Mund

Scott Anderson

David Deshane

Teresa Durning

Kelly Fehr

Jasmine Finlay

Sherrilee Franks

Kari Gares

Donald Jefcoat

Lily Kerr

Rick Lavin

Shawn Lee

Gordon Leighton

Kevin Lepp

Jamie Morrow

Dalvir Nahal

Brian Quiring

Dawn Tucker

Terry Vulcano

Sam Zaharia

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