As of Oct. 14 at 4:00 p.m., Nicholas Powell and Dennis Tait are Houston’s candidates for the office of councillor.
Only one person is available to be filled for Houston’s 2016 local by-election.
“The by-election is being held to fill one vacancy for a council position, and would be for a term of just under two years. At present, the by-election is scheduled for November 19, with an advanced voting day scheduled for November 9 and general voting day being on the 19,” explained Gerald Pinchbeck, Chief Election Officer for the District of Houston.
In the Houston Today news paper, and on the radio, it was advertised that the nomination period opened on Oct. 4 and closed on Oct. 14 at 4:00 p.m.
“People interested in being a candidate must submit a completed nomination package during this time in order to be registered as a candidate for the by-election,” explained Pinchbeck.
Nomination packages were made available at the municipal office’s front counter.
“Any nomination packages submitted [after Oct. 14] can be challenged through the Provincial Court under section 91 of the Local Government Act until October 18. Candidates would also have one week from the fourteenth to withdraw (that being the 21), and then the following Monday, I would issue a declaration stating that the election will be decided by voting or by acclamation,” commented Pinchbeck.
Pursuant to section 98 of the Local Government Act, on Monday, October 24, 2016, Pinchbeck will be issuing a declaration as to whether the vacant Council seat will be filled through an election by voting or an election by acclamation.
