Greens get 13% of vote

Photo: Wayne Moore

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.

Robert Stupka believes in the message the Green Party is delivering. He just doesn't feel enough people bothered to listen.

Stupka, making his first leap into the political ring, said voter apathy was the most disappointing part of the campaign for him.

"Last night (Tuesday) as I was canvassing still there were many people who were unclear of who they were voting for, and said they were going to do their research the night before," said Stupka.

"It was evident they not engaged with the campaign and what we were putting out there. That is really troubling to me in terms of our democracy, and the future of this region to be honest."

Only 13,624 votes were cast in the byelection, about half the votes cast in last May's provincial election.

"We joined this campaign to show Kelowna what leadership could look like for this riding. We tried to inspire them as much as we could, and we did everything we could to provide an alternative voice, which we feel is right for the times. "

Stupka said he is not a career politician, but said he would consider running again if the system were changed to a proportional representation system.

While the Green Party remained at about 13 per cent support, the small gathering at the party's campaign headquarters vowed to keep up the fight.

It was suggested the area apply to establish a riding association for Kelowna West, and consider working closely together with the other two Kelowna ridings in future election campaigns.

UPDATE: 10:18 p.m.

The BC Greens' Robert Stupka earned about 13 per cent of votes cast in Wednesday's Kelowna West byelection.

Preliminary numbers now all polling stations have reported.

Ben Stewart (BC Liberal): 7,692

Shelley Cook (NDP): 3,197

Robert Stupka (Green): 1,727

Mark Thompson (BC Conservative): 898

Kyle Geronazzo (Libertarian): 110

ORIGINAL: 8:10 p.m.

Green Party candidate Robert Stupka is cautiously optimistic as the polls close in Kelowna West.

Stupka said as of yesterday he'd heard there were a number of people who had not yet made a decision as to whom they would vote for.

He did indicate several traditional Liberal supporters have come over to the Green Party.

Stupka believes if the NDP can hold about 20 per cent of the vote and the Conservatives can attain another 10 per cent, the Greens can steal the seat away from the BC Liberals