It appears that White Rock residents will be headed to the polls on Sept. 20.
That’s the most likely date for a byelection to fill the council seat vacated by Ernie Klassen, following his election as MP for South Surrey-White Rock on April 28.
A corporate report from corporate administration director Tracey Arthur, to be discussed by council on Monday (June 9), suggests Sept. 20 as the most logical date for the byelection, mandated by the provincial Local Government Act.
The report suggests setting the appointment of a chief election officer and deputy election officer at the July 7 council meeting.
Under provincial rules, once these have been appointed, the election must be held no more than 80 days later – which would place the date for the election on Sept. 20.
An election bylaw, to be introduced Monday, will need to receive third reading by June 23.
If approved, it will set the following timetable for the byelection: the nomination period would begin at 9. a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 and would close at 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15; advanced voting (two dates, required by legislation) would take place Wednesday Sept. 10 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Tuesday, Sept. 16 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.); with election day on Saturday, Sept. 20 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Arthur points out that while mobile voting – primarily for seniors and others with mobility or transportation issues – was provided in 2022, it received minimal use; she recommends mail ballots, which would allow caregivers to assist residents with voting at their convenience.
Other items that council must decide are how names of candidates will be arranged on the ballot (Arthur suggests an alphabetical listing would be more efficient for voters than the current system of drawing lots) and voting places (the current plan of polling stations at Centennial Arena, White Rock Community Centre and the Kent Street Activity Centre is recommended).
All polling stations would be wheelchair-accessible, or would offer a “curbside” voting options for those whose physical disabilities or mobility challenges would prevent entering the station, Arthur said.
