Media release
For immediate release 

 

Saanich, BC – On Saturday, October 20, Saanich residents will cast their votes to elect one mayor, eight councillors and nine School District 61 trustees in the general local and school board elections. 

“We want residents to understand the importance of local government and the impact that decisions made by elected officials will have on their day-to-day lives,” said Chief Election Officer Angila Bains. “In the 2014 municipal election, 34.7 per cent of eligible voters turned out to determine the results in Saanich. We’re encouraging all residents to make their voice heard this time around. It’s your time to vote for your Saanich.” 

General local elections are the most direct way for residents to influence their local government and school district by determining the individuals who then make decisions and govern on their behalf. Building, maintaining and innovating dependable core services like transportation networks, sewer and fire protection are the responsibility of local governments.

There are three advance voting days (October 10, 15 and 17) to allow more flexibility to voters and their schedules. On October 20, there will be 17 polling stations to make voting as accessible and efficient as possible. Mobile voting is available to accommodate residents in assisted living facilities and mail ballot voting is also available for residents who are away on all advance voting days, general voting day or physically unable to attend a voting location. More information on voting locations and mail ballot applications is available at saanich.ca/election. 

Candidate profile guide 

Saanich compiled a candidate profile guide  [PDF - 565 KB] to assist voters in learning about candidates. All candidates for mayor and councillor positions were given the opportunity to submit a brief profile, photo and contact information to introduce themselves and their platforms to the electors. 

Community opinion questions 

• The District of Saanich and the City of Victoria Councils are asking voters if they wish to establish a citizens’ assembly to explore the costs, benefits and disadvantages of amalgamation between the two municipalities. This non-binding community opinion question will be on the ballot: 

Are you in favour of spending up to $250,000 for establishing a Citizens’ Assembly to explore the costs, benefits and disadvantages of the amalgamation between the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria? 

• Saanich Council must appoint four of its members as directors of the Capital Regional District (CRD). Another informal poll is included on the ballot to provide guidance to Council in making the CRD appointments. Electors of the municipality will be able to vote for up to four councillor candidates that they would like to see appointed as CRD directors. Not all candidates have put forward their name to be appointed a CRD director. 

Learn more 

Election details, including information about the community opinion questions and the candidate profile guide are available at saanich.ca/election and on Saanich social media accounts. 

Information is also available from the Legislative Services Division at Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue. Residents are encouraged to contact Saanich if they have any questions about registration or how to vote. Staff can be reached by telephone at 250-475-1775; by fax at 250-475-5440; or by email at elections@saanich.ca.

 

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Media contact:

Angila Bains
Chief Election Officer and Manager, Legislative Services
250-475-5494 ext. 3500
angila.bains@saanich.ca
#saanichvotes