Now that the candidates have been announced, there are a number of important dates leading up to the Huu-ay-aht General Election on June 20, 2015.
This year, three candidates put their name forward for Chief Councillor seat. Another 13 want to be considered for the councillor spots, of which there are five. With so much interest, it is important for voters to cast a ballot in the 2015 election.
Candidates have 29 days before the voting day to withdraw from the election, which means if you did not pull your name by Friday, May 22, 2015 it will still appear on the ballot.
On May 22, candidates were provided with an official list of voters for their use in the election campaign. This list must remain confidential, and a solemn declaration must be made prior to receiving the list. May 22 was also the day when the election was be officially declared, after which, candidates and their supporters were permitted to begin campaigning. All campaigning must end at the close of voting on June 20, 2015.
Mail-outs will be distributed on May 29, so voters should expect them in the mail shortly after that.
Voters who are not close to the polling stations can mail in their ballots. These will be distributed on Friday, May 29. These votes must be received prior to the close of the poll on June 20, 2015 to be considered. Please keep in mind that the mail is not delivered on the Saturday, so ballots must arrive on June 19.
Although all Citizens will receive a mail-in ballot, it is up to the individual to decide whether they want to mail in their ballot or vote in person at the polling station in either Anacla or Port Alberni. Voting will take place on June 20.