With 25 days to go before the Sept. 18 deadline to register as a candidate in October’s municipal and school board elections, Thompson and the School District of Mystery Lake have had three candidates register as of Aug. 24.
One of those candidates, current councillor Penny Byer, is seeking to become the city’s next mayor, while another, Godfrey Buhagiar, is seeking to move from the public gallery at council chambers to one of the eight council positions. The third candidate, Saima Aziz, submitted nomination papers for both council and school board elections but will withdraw one.
There are a total of 16 positions up for election, including seven on the school district board of trustees. In 2014, there were 31 candidates in total, while there were 30 candidates in 2010. And it is very possible there could be as many as that on the ballot when Oct. 24 rolls around. In 2010, only one candidate had registered as of Sept.3, less than three weeks before the registration period ending.
To run for mayor, councillor or school board trustee, you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older as of election day and have been a resident of or property owner in Thompson for at least six months on the day of the election – from April 25 onward in the case of the 2018 election.
Those considering registering as candidates for the upcoming election can learn more about the process at a pre-election orientation at R.D. Parker Collegiate’s Letkemann Theatre Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Topics covered will include registration, nominations and withdrawal deadlines as well as eligibility criteria and restrictions, campaign financing, the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and conflicts of interest.
