Candidates and voters encouraged to prepare

Chief Elections Officer Ethan Anderson said nomination packages are the first step for anyone thinking about running a campaign.

“We’ve made nomination packages available. Those are the packages you fill out, get nominated, sign off on, and then bring back between Sept. 1 and Sept. 11 to run for either mayor or council,” said Anderson.

The city says candidates need to be at least 18 years old on general voting day, be Canadian citizens, and have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before submitting their nomination papers. They also cannot be disqualified under the law.

Anderson said people who want to run will need support from local voters before they can finish the process.

“You’re going to have to get 10 nominators to sign your papers, and they have to be electors of the City of Prince George,” he said.

The nomination period is from Sept. 1 to Sept. 11. All nomination documents must be handed in by 4 p.m. on the last day.

“Absolutely. The hard deadline is Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. We need to have the nomination back before that date,” Anderson said.

The city will hold a free information session for candidates on Aug. 27 at City Hall. The session will go over who can run, what documents are needed, important deadlines, rules for signs, and what happens after you file.

The city is letting voters know about different ways to cast their ballots.

Residents and eligible non-resident property owners can ask for a mail-in ballot. The city will take requests until Oct. 15. Completed ballots must arrive at City Hall before 8 p.m. on Oct. 17 to be counted.

Advance voting will be held at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre on Oct. 7, 8, 14, and 15. On general voting day, Oct. 17, there will be eight voting locations across the city.

Anderson said voters have several chances to take part.

“The general voting day is Oct. 17. We do have four advance voting days as well. It’s the seventh, eighth, 14th and the 15th. We also have mail ballot voting that’s available for anybody that requires that option.”

The city says every voting location will be fully accessible. Voters who need help can bring someone for translation, mobility support, or marking their ballot. Election officials can also help if needed.

At the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, extra accessibility features include curbside voting and the AutoMARK ballot marking device, both during advance voting and on general voting day.

The city encourages residents to check election information and stay up to date with updates on its website.

by Dave Branco

Candidates and voters encouraged to prepare

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