A byelection for shíshálh Nation vacant councillor seat will be Feb. 3.
The byelection was triggered by one of the Nation’s councillors, Shain Jackson, stepping down earlier this year.
Though the byelection had been slated for Nov. 18, it was cancelled in early November following an administrative error and miscommunication related to the eligibility of by-election candidates was brought to the Nation's attention. Three candidates had been poised to be on the ballot.
Now, the Nation is gearing up to start the by-election process once again.
Election dates
All election events will be held at the shíshálh Nation Community Hall.
- Dec. 19 the nomination meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Jan. 4 the all-candidates meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Jan. 28 the advanced poll date, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Feb. 3 is election day, votes can be cast from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who can vote?
The polls are open to those on the shíshálh Nation Voters’ list and who will be at least 18 years old on election day.
The release states that the voters list will be posted in the shíshálh Nation’s administration building on or before Dec. 5.
Issues relating to the voters list, such as names not appearing or incorrectly appearing, an application must be sent to the electoral officer before Jan. 4.
Supporting documents may be required for voting applications.
Mail-in ballots are available for those who are unable to vote in person.
Applications for Remote Ballet can be obtained by the electoral officer and must be completed before Jan. 4.
The electoral officer is David Magnuson-Ford, who can be reached at [email protected], or by phone, 604-354-6273.
Copies of shíshálh Nation Constitution and its electoral referendum law can be obtained at the Nations administrative building and online.
The Nation has appointed Matt Vickers to hear any appeals of byelection results, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 778-239-1440.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
