The 2024 Harrison Hot Springs by-election is showing the promise of high voter numbers.
Village officials confirmed that 402 electors voted on advance voting day on Wednesday, Sept. 11. By comparison, a total of 579 people voted in both advance polls and on general voting day last year; this accounted for 36 per cent voter turnout based on 2022 numbers from Civic Info B.C. Statistically speaking, Wednesday's advance voting turnout is about 70 per cent of the total turnout of the 2023 by-election.
The turnout for the general election in 2022 was 823, or about 48 per cent of eligible voters at the time. The provincial average was just over 29 per cent in 2022.
There are seven candidates running for two seats on village council, vacated earlier this year by ex-mayor Ed Wood and ex-councillor John Allen. The candidates for mayor are Allen, Greg Dykstra and Fred Talen. The council candidates are Teresa Omelus, Mark Schweinbenz, Gary Webster and Wood.
General voting day is Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Memorial Hall (290 Esplanade Avenue). As the 2024 pay parking program ends on Sept. 15, parking in the area will be free by election day.
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