Municipal Hall

July 9, 2008 / 11:00 AM

Maple Ridge, BC: The Local Government Election Bylaw adopted by Maple Ridge Council on July 8, 2008 together with recent changes to Provincial legislation will provide for greater accountability and transparency of the election process and for more voting opportunities for residents of Maple Ridge and non-resident property owners.

As part of this year's Local Government Elections Initiative, the District of Maple Ridge wants to advise that all electors are now eligible to participate in advance voting which will take place Wednesday, November 5 and Saturday, November 8 at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall. Mail ballot voting will also be available to electors who have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to attend at a polling station as well as to electors who expect to be absent for all voting opportunities. Additional information regarding these voting options will be available closer to the date of local government elections.

Changes to provincial legislation now enable posting of candidate nomination papers and campaign financing disclosure statements to the District website. Nomination papers will be posted after 4:00 pm on October 4 through to 4:00 pm on November 19. Campaign financing disclosure statements will also be posted to the website for three months following the filing deadline date of March 16, 2009.

Voters will be casting their votes for the positions of Mayor, Councillors and School Trustees on November 15, 2008 and through the Local Government Elections Initiative, the District will be encouraging all eligible voters to exercise their democratic right to participate in the election. Approximately twenty-five people attended a Candidates Information Meeting held at Municipal Hall June 23 and another is being organized for September 17 at 7:00 pm at the same location.

Voter turnout for the 2005 election was only 31%. The District is working to increase voter awareness of the importance of participating in local government elections recognizing that decisions made at this level have the greatest impact on the day-to-day life of your community.

For more information on the election visit the District's website.