There was high voter turnout for the first of three advance voting days for the Penticton city by-election.
The first advance voting day, Wednesday, June 9, saw 737 voters in comparison to the 2018 municipal election, which had 1,001 voters at the first voting opportunity.
The 2018 election saw a total of 10,883 ballots cast from an estimated eligible voter population of 26,502.
General voting day is Saturday, June 19, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (273 Power Street) or at the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre (2965 South Main Street).
There are also two more advance voting opportunities on June 12 and 16.
The Seniors’ Drop-In Centre is a smaller venue and there may be line ups.
“We will make every attempt to get everyone voting as quickly as possible while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols,” the city said in a press release.
There are 10 candidates vying for the one seat left vacant at city council when longtime council member Jake Kimberley had a stroke and has resigned to focus on his health.
There is also a referendum question on the voting ballot asking if you support a long-term (25 year) lease by a private operator for Skaha Marina.
In the June 9 Penticton Western News print edition we have all the candidates profiles and answers to four questions about issues facing the city. Those bios and answers are also available on line. See the below link.
READ MORE: Meet your Penticton Candidates
The city is also allowing mail-in ballots for this election.
Those interested in requesting a mail-in ballot have until 4 p.m. on June 17, 2021.
You must submit the following information by telephone 250-490-2473, fax 250-490-2402, email election@penticton.ca, in person or by mail at City Hall 171 Main Street, Penticton BC, V2A 5A9:
Your full name, residential address, address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors only), the method of delivery of your mail ballot package either through pick up at City office during office hours 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. or through regular letter mail through Canada Post to a residential address or an alternate address.
Learn more about the byelection and the ballot question about a long-term lease at Skaha Marina by visiting penticton.ca/elections.
jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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