Election 101

About 20 interested citizens from across the region attended a pre-election candidate workshop, Thursday evening at Penticton City Hall.

The meeting was facilitated by Laurie Darcus from the city and Christy Malden from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. It provided interested parties information about the process involved in running for municipal office.

In a brief video presented to the gallery, it said the four characteristics of effective locally-elected officials are: accountable, diligent, integrity and proactive.

Potential candidates are encouraged to educate themselves on campaign financing rules which include setting up a separate bank account for campaign expenses.

Municipal elections will be held across B.C. on Saturday, Oct. 20. The nomination period will be between Sept. 4-14 with the campaign officially beginning Sept. 22.

To run for mayor or city council, 10 nominators are required who must be qualified electors. The number is two for the Okanagan Skaha School District and the RDOS.

A similar forum on election readiness is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 31 at the South Main Drop-In Centre.

In fairness to those who are considering running for office, The Herald has chosen not to publish the names of individuals in the gallery.