Nomination period officially begins

The nomination period for those seeking election Nov. 15 is now officially open.

That means those who have already announced their intentions – or those who simply took out nomination papers while pondering whether to run – can return those papers to get their name on the ballot.

In Kelowna, nomination papers may be filed at the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall. Individuals have until 4 p.m. Oct.10 to submit their forms.

“If you are interested in filing nomination papers for council or trustee for School District No.23, making an appointment ahead of time is recommended,” says Chief Election Officer Karen Needham.

The number of nominators required to nominate a candidate for council is 25, while the trustee requirement remains at two. Nominators must be eligible to vote in Kelowna. A nomination deposit of $100 is required.

Candidates must have lived in the province for the past six months, be a Canadian citizen and be 18 years of age or older on election day.

Meanwhile, nomination papers are also being accepted for Regional District of Central Okanagan director hopefuls.

The filing deadline is the same, and late nominations will not be accepted.

To run for regional director, nomination papers must be signed by two registered electors.

Candidates for any of the positions are not required to reside in the jurisdiction in which they are running. Successful candidates will sit for a four-year term, which expires in the fall of 2017.

Potential candidates in the regional district elections should also book appointments by calling 250-763-4918.

Candidates for Zone 1 school trustee may also pick up and file nomination pa- pers at the District of Lake Country election office, while those in Zone 2 may do the same at the District of Peachland election office. A nomination deposit of $100 is required for trustee candidates.

Voters expecting to be absent from the jurisdiction and unable to vote on either advance voting days, Nov. 5 and 12, or on election day, as well as those unable to vote due to physical challenges, illness or injury, are eligible to vote by mail.

To vote by mail, residents must complete and return the application forms before Nov. 13 to the RDCO Elections Office at 1450 KLO Rd.

You must allow the appropriate amount of time to receive and return your ballot. If time doesn’t permit mailing, you should arrange to pick up a package from the chief election officer or have it couriered.

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be received no later than the close of regular polling at 8 p.m. Nov. 15.