BC’s provincial election officially started yesterday, Tuesday, April 16. Premier Christy Clark visited Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon and asked her to dissolve the legislature. The chief electoral officer then issued “writs of election.”
As of press time, two candidates are running in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding, incumbent NDP (New Democratic Party) Nicholas Simons and BC Liberal Party candidate Patrick Muncaster.
Candidates from other political parties have until April 26 to file nomination papers with Elections BC.
Powell River residents have an opportunity to see Simons, Muncaster and any other candidate who files papers in action at an all-candidates meeting sponsored by Powell River Chamber of Commerce. The meeting is from 7 to 9:30 pm on Tuesday, April 30 in the Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex.
The Peak is also providing information about the candidates here. The election forum, BC Votes, includes candidate profiles and a forum where readers can ask questions or comment on issues.
Residents who have not yet registered to vote have until April 23. After the registration deadline, Elections BC produces a voters’ list that is used to generate a mailing list. Cards will be mailed to residents who have registered telling them where to vote.
Residents who miss the deadline can still vote, by registering when they vote, with identification.
There are a number of different ways to vote, including in a district electoral office anytime between now and election day. Voters can also cast a ballot by mail.
The Powell River-Sunshine Coast district electoral office is located at 4476A Marine Avenue in Powell River. The phone number is 604.485.0601. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4 pm Saturday.
Advance voting begins Wednesday, May 8 and runs through to Saturday, May 11.
The official start of the election campaign is important because, although political parties have been in election mode for some time, the official start of the election brings some rule changes.
Spending limits changed on April 16. During the pre-campaign period, from February 15 to April 15, political parties were not allowed to spend more than approximately $1.15 million. From the official start of the campaign until election day on May 14, they can spend up to $4.6 million.
Individual candidates are allowed to spend about $73,000 during the pre-campaign period and the same amount during the official campaign.
