More than 800 voters cast ballots on the second day of advance voting (May 12), as part of the Town of Qualicum Beach’s byelection to fill a vacant council position.
There were 842 electors who opted to vote ahead of the general election day on Saturday, May 15. With the 647 voters casting ballots on the first day of advance voting on May 5, the advanced voting total is 1,489.
“We are pleased to see the civic spirit of our community thriving despite the perilous time we find ourselves in with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said chief electoral officer Heather Svensen. “Compared to the 2018 general local election, voter turnout for the two advance voting opportunities was just 639 votes less than the advance opportunities for the 2018 general election. With over 600 mail ballots returned, and counting, to be processed on general election day, we expect Qualicum Beach’s historic high voter turnout to continue.”
RELATED: Five candidates enter byelection for councillor slot in Qualicum Beach
There are five candidates vying for the lone council position left open when Adam Walker was voted as the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum at the last provincial elections. They are (in alphabetical order) Brian Denbigh, Sarah Duncan, Peter Kent, Anne Skipsey and Jean Young.
The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, at 747 Jones St., is designated as the voting place on May 15. Voting is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eligible electors not on the list of registered electors can, after providing identification, register at the voting place immediately before voting.
For further information, visit the town’s website at www.qualicumbeach.com, email hsvensen@qualicumbeach.com, or call 250-738-2207 or 250-927-5010.
— NEWS Staff, submitted