What’s the difference between an independent candidate and an unaffiliated candidate?

Photo: Elections BC

Voters will have more than the typical choices on the ballot when British Columbians go to the polls on October 19.

You may notice some candidates with no party listed after their names. They are considered ‘unaffiliated'. Others will have the word “independent” next to their names. So what is the difference?

According to Elections BC, an independent candidate is someone who has filed a nomination application with a signed statement that they are acting independently. An unaffiliated candidate has filed a nomination application without either the signed statement of independence or a valid party endorsement.

In the Kelowna area, there is a mix of traditional, party nominees, unaffiliated and independent candidates in the running. For example, former BC United nominees Stephen Johnston in West Kelowna-Peachland and Ashley Ramsay in Kelowna-Mission say they are independent, but technically they are unaffiliated, and only their names will be listed on the ballot.

On the other hand, Kevin Kraft in Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream has filed his signed statement and will be listed as ‘independent’.

As of 2 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2024, there were 23 independent candidates listed on the Elections BC website and 14 unaffiliated candidates. More could step forward. Candidate nominations close at 1 p.m. on Sept. 28.