The town of Qualicum Beach will receive nominations to fill the vacant seat on council starting at the end of March. One councillor will be elected to replace Adam Walker, who now serves as Parksville-Qualicum MLA, for the remainder of the council term ending October 2022.
The nomination period runs from March 30 to April 9, according to the town. Nomination packages are available for pickup at town hall. Candidates can call (250) 738-2207 to make an appointment with the chief election officer to submit their nomination papers until April 9. The town said an appointment is required to submit nomination papers after 1:00 pm.
Candidates are not required to live or own property in Qualicum Beach to be eligible to be a councillor, but they must be a B.C. resident (for at least six months before nomination), be a Canadian citizen and older than 18 years.
Residents who are unsure if they are registered to vote can phone or visit the town office. Advance elector registrations will be accepted at town hall until 1:00 p.m. on March 23. With the exception of registrations on voting days, elector registrations will not be accepted during the period March 24–May 15, the town said.
Voters wishing to register for the first time must show two pieces of identification that provide evidence of the applicant’s identity and place of residence, one of which must include the applicant’s signature, or alternatively, provide two pieces of identification verifying identity in addition to making a solemn declaration as to the applicant’s place of residence.
In order to be eligible to vote residents must be 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen and a resident of Qualicum Beach for at least 30 days prior to the day they register.
From March 30 until the close of general voting for the byelection on May 15, a copy of the list of registered electors will be available for public inspection at the town office in town hall.
An objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act until 4:00 pm on April 9. An objection can be made if a person who has died appears on the list, or someone who is not qualified to be a voter, the town said.
