Candidates announced

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

A by-election was called last month after long time councillor John Rempel resigned from the position due to health reasons. Nomination day was Nov. 17 and five Strathmore residents put their names forward. Allan Auger, Glenn Freeland, Nicole Gibbons, Steve Grajczyk and Jason Pollo are all hoping to be the successful candidate that fills the spot.
The advance polls will be held Dec. 8 at the Town Office 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Anyone can vote in the advance polls or on Election Day providing they are over the age of 18 and live in the Town of Strathmore. Election Day itself is on Dec. 15 at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“According to the Elections Act we only have 90 days to hold an election after we receive a resignation from a councillor. So that 90 days pretty much took us (to) early January,” said Jennifer Sawatsky, returning officer.
Administration felt it would be best to try and hold the election prior to Christmas, while not being to close to it, rather than in January when many residents may be gone on vacation. That and a couple of other factors were considered before choosing the date.
“Basically the biggest (reason) is that we had to hold it within 90 days and then Dec. 15 was chosen because that was the earliest we could have it before Christmas and still comply with all our advertising requirements,” said Sawatsky.
Because it’s not a full election, votes will be cast using paper ballots and counted by hand. While a tie isn’t a very common occurrence, if one did happen it would likely result in a recount.
“Surprisingly if there’s a tie you write down two names, throw them in a hat and draw one, that’s the provincial guidelines,” said Sawatsky.
“We most likely would be asked for a recount on the votes, but if it was still a tie then whoever was drawn from the hat would be proclaimed the winner.”
Anyone looking for more information about the election can contact Jennifer Sawatsky at 403-934-3133.
Over the next couple of weeks, The Strathmore Times will introduce the candidates to you and help you make a well-informed decision about who to vote for on Election Day.