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 to challenge the validity of the election due to evidence of a person voting when not entitled to vote in Electoral Area E. Elections 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 and the validity of the election must be challenged.
Upon review of this application, the Supreme Court will decide whether a new election must be held in Area E. Leslie Harestad will take office as Electoral Area Director for Area E until such time as the Supreme Court issues a decision.
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 Supreme 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
September 6, 2024