Village of Lytton looks to fill two council seats in spring byelection

LYTTON, B.C. — The Village of Lytton put out a call for candidates for a byelection to fill two seats on its council.

Those elected would serve as councillors for the Village of Lytton until the next municipal election on Oct. 15, 2022. The nomination period is open until 4 p.m. on Friday (March 25).

In a news release Tuesday (March 15), Bev Kennedy, Lytton’s chief election officer, says candidates do not need to be a resident in Lytton to run for election. Although those interested must have lived in British Columbia for the past six months and be a Canadian citizen and be at least 18 years of age. Nominators must be resident electors of the municipality.

The spring byelection is set for Saturday, April 30, with an advance poll on Wednesday, April 20. Voting will take place at the Kumsheen ShchEma-meet School located at 365 Trans-Canada Highway in Lytton. The school was spared from the June 2021 wildfire that destroyed 90 percent of the village.

“Many Lytton residents were displaced by the fire and are living in temporary accommodations in areas across the province,” Kennedy says. “Under provincial legislation, we want our residents to know if they intend to return to live in the village, they are eligible to vote in the by-election.”

All eligible voters may vote by mail. Starting April 4, residents can request mail-in ballots from Lytton’s website.

Those living outside of Lytton but owning property in the village may also be qualified to vote.