Anyone thinking of running for Town of Osoyoos council or as a water councillor in the upcoming November municipal election still has several weeks before having to make a final decision.

Those who do decide to forward their name to get on the official ballot for the positions of mayor, town councillor or water councillor can officially file between Sept. 30 and Oct. 10, said Lori Scott, the town’s deputy corporate officer and deputy chief election officer.

Official packages for candidates were made available last Friday.

“We can’t accept packages from those considering running in the election until September 30 … then we officially close nominations at the end of business on Oct. 10,” said Scott.

Unlike some other provinces, there aren’t any fees charged to those residents who run for office in any municipal election in British Columbia, said Scott.

The same deadlines are in place for those wishing to run for positions on the board with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).

 “Anyone interested in running for office in any of the 8 Electoral Areas is invited to come and pick up a nomination package,” says Christy Malden, RDOS Chief Election Officer.  “The packages include necessary forms for nominations and information which will assist potential candidates, such as important dates, Regional Board processes and the RDOS Strategic Plan.”

A nomination deposit is not required in order to run for an Electoral Area Director position.

However, candidates are required to have two qualified nominators sign their nomination.

The nomination package along with additional information will also be available on the RDOS website at www.rdso.bc.ca.

The nomination period begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, September 30 and ends Friday, October 10 at 4 p.m., and nomination forms can be returned during that time.

Eligible voters will go to the polls in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on November 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Everyone who runs for office in this province must be 18 years of age or older, be a Canadian citizen and they must have been a citizen in British Columbia for at least six months.

They must also not have been disqualified for being considered a candidate by provisions set out in the Local Government Act of British Columbia.

Anyone running for the office of mayor or to become a town councillor doesn’t have to live in the Town of Osoyoos, but they must be nominated by two eligible voters who have a permanent address in the town, she said.

Anyone who runs for the two water councillor positions must be a resident whose permanent residence uses the municipal water system in Area 8 or 9, she said.

Scott also reminded all citizens and those considering running for office that changes by the provincial government are extending the term of office from three to four years, starting with this year’s municipal election.

Eligible voters will be selecting one mayor and four town councillors, as has been the status quo in the Town of Osoyoos for many years, said Scott.

Town staff will release a complete list of contenders for the mayor’s position and town council on Monday, Oct. 13.

For further information, contact Scott at 250-495-6515 or Malden at 250-492-0237.

KEITH LACEY

Osoyoos Times