Who may nominate a potential candidate?

To run as a candidate in the local government election for either the position of Mayor or Council, an individual must be nominated by two people who are registered electors of the District of Central Saanich.  These two individuals may be a resident elector or a non-resident property elector.  In Central Saanich, an individual may subscribe as a nominator to no more than the number of persons who are to be elected to fill the office for which the election is being held (Section 71(4) of the Local Government Act).  Therefore, one nomination only for the position of Mayor and up to six nominations for the position of Councillor.

What is required for the nomination documents?

In addition to two nominators, a written nomination form must be submitted that includes:

• Your full name.
• Your usual name (if different from your legal name and as you would want your name to appear on the ballot).
• The office (Mayor or Council) for which you are nominated.
• If applicable, a statement that you are being endorsed by an elector organization and would like that organization's name to appear on the ballot.
• Your residential address (and mailing address if different than your residential address).
• The names and addresses of the two nominators.  If one or both of the nominators are non-resident property electors, then the Central Saanich address should be indicated on the nomination form. 
• A signed statement from the two nominators that, to the best of their knowledge, the person nominated is qualified to hold local government office in BC.

In addition to the nomination form, the following supplementary materials are required to process a nomination:

• A signed statement by the individual nominated consenting to the nomination.
• A solemn declaration by the individual nominated stating the individual is qualified under Section 66 of the Local Government Act to hold office in BC and that the information submitted is, to the best of their knowledge, true and accurate.  The solemn declaration must be witnessed by the Chief Election Officer, a lawyer, or a notary.  An individual can either sign in front of a lawyer or notary or sign in front of the Chief Election Office when the nomination documents are submitted.
• If applicable, a solemn declaration from the individual's elector organization that states the organization fulfils the requirements for endorsing a candidate.
• If applicable, the individuals written consent to the endorsement by the elector organization.  
• A written disclosure as required by Section 2(1) of the Financial Disclosure Act.  This disclosure statement must provide details of both your corporate and personal holdings, and is designed to avoid conflict of interest.

In addition, the Chief Election Officer may require an individual who is nominated to provide their telephone number.

The nomination package will be available for pick-up from the Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road, on Friday, August 22, 2008.

The nomination period is from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2008, and closes promptly at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2008.  It is best to file your nomination papers in person at the Municipal Hall. 

NOTE:  It is an individuals responsibility to ensure all required nomination documents are submitted on time and are accurate.

Upon the close of the nomination period, the Chief Election Officer will officially declare all qualified nominees as candidates for the District of Central Saanich local government election for Saturday, November 15, 2008.

Can a nomination be challenged?

After an individual has filed their nomination documents, the public may visit the Municipal Hall and request to inspect any and all nomination documents.  If that person, or the Chief Election Officer, believes something in the nomination documents is incorrect or that an individual is not qualified to be a candidate, then they may challenge the nomination through an application to the Provincial Court.  This challenge must be made after the close of the nomination period (Friday, October 10, 2008, at 4:00 p.m.) and before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

Can a candidate withdraw their intent to run for office?

An individual may withdraw from being a candidate by delivering a signed withdrawal statement to the Chief Election Officer before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2008.