PUBLIC NEWS RELEASE
CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT BY-ELECTION AREA E
Following a recount of the preliminary election results declared on August 24, 2024, the official election results for Electoral Area E are:
|
Candidate |
Votes |
|
Leslie Harestad |
20 |
|
Zachary Taylor |
19 |
After careful review of election records, the Chief Election Officer has determined that it is necessary to submit an application for judicial recount to the Provincial Court due to evidence of a person voting when not entitled to vote in Electoral Area E.
Election documentation indicates that an elector from outside of Area E voted in the election by mistake. There is no evidence to indicate this was done purposefully to undermine the validity of the election. However, due to the closeness of the election results, the ineligible ballot may have determined the overall election result thus the need to submit an application.
Upon review of this application, the Provincial Court Judge will decide whether a new election must be held in Area E.
The Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) is committed to upholding public trust in the democratic process and ensuring that proper elections protocols are followed. We apologize to the candidates and voters who participated in this election and look forward to implementing a fair resolution as decided by the Provincial Court. As this matter is before the Court, the CCRD will not be commenting further until after the Court has made its ruling.
Janet Prestley
Chief Election Officer
Central Coast Regional District
August 28, 2024