Candidate Information
Considerations and information for Candidates
People wishing to run for local government office must meet criteria as laid out
by the Local Government Act. The Act lays out a number of qualifications that
must be met including:
-
you must be a Canadian Citizen;
-
be at least 18 years of age on election day;
-
have lived in B.C. for six months;
-
have not been disqualified from voting in a BC local election.
You do not have to reside in the jurisdiction in which you are running for public
office.
Before filing nomination papers, potential candidates should refer to the
Candidates Guide for Local Elections for more information. You may also
wish to check out the Ministry of Community Development
Local Government Elections page or follow this link to the
Local Government Act. You may also want to consider specific information
provided by the Ministry about the
Regional District form of local government or information regarding
Municipalities. The following Regional District bylaws may also
be of interest:
Nomination Period:
If the originals of nomination documents delivered by facsimile transmission are
not received by the Chief Election Officer by 4:00 p.m. on the 29th day before general
voting day, the person nominated is deemed to have withdrawn from being a candidate
in the election.
A person who has been nominated may withdraw from being a candidate in the election
at any time up until 4:00 p.m. the 29th day before general voting day by delivering
a signed withdrawal to the Chief Election Officer, which must be accepted if the
Chief Election Officer is satisfied as to its authenticity.
Candidates should also be aware that within 120 days after general voting day for
an election, the financial agent of:
must file with the designated local government officer a disclosure statement in
accordance with this section of the Local Government Act.
Candidate Considerations
‘The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.’ Albert
Einstein
You should be aware that holding local office could be time-consuming. In
addition to regular meetings – usually every second week for the regional board
– you may be asked to sit on special committees, boards or commissions that also
require significant time. As well, you should be prepared for contact with
various constituents and members of the local media.
You might consider talking to someone currently in local office to find out how
much time you can expect to commit.
Bylaw No. 1102 and the Board Remuneration and Expense Policy set remuneration
for Regional Directors.
For more information please contact the Regional District of Central Okanagan Election
officials:
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