The City of Vernon releases key dates for the 2021 municipal byelection

Photo: Contributed

The City of Vernon’s municipal byelection will be held on Dec. 4, to fill the seat left vacant after the passing of Coun. Dalvir Nahal.

Interested qualified candidates will put their name forward for office in the 2021 byelection and must submit their required nomination package during the candidate nomination period.

The nomination period begins Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. and concludes on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m.

Nomination packages will be available for pick-up on Friday at City Hall and on the city’s website.

The campaigning period begins on Nov. 6 and concludes on Dec. 4.

Advance voting dates are as follows:

• Nov. 24 at the Schubert Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 25 at the Vernon Council Chambers from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 27 at the Vernon Council Chambers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 1 at the Vernon Council Chambers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 2 at the Vernon Council Chambers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The general voting day is Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the location has yet to be determined.

Proof of vaccination is not required to vote in-person at any of the polling places.

“The health and safety of residents, volunteers and staff is the city’s top priority,” said Keri-Ann Austin, Chief Election Officer.

“We recognize that comfort levels of voters in the community may vary as we continue to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can rest assured that all COVID safety protocols will be in place at polling stations.”

The Local Government Act requires a local government to hold a byelection when a council position becomes vacant prior to Jan. 1 of the year in which a general local election is to be held.

The next general local election is to be held in 2022.

Council approved the expenditure of up to $120,000 to conduct the byelection, funded from its Insurance Deductible Reserve.