By Spencer Sterritt

Byelection all-candidates debate hopes to buck voting trends

Jun 26, 2017 | 1:17 PM

NANAIMO — The upcoming municipal byelection in Nanaimo is probably on very few calendars, which the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce hopes to change.

Nanaimo’s Chamber of Commerce CEO Kim Smythe said their debate at the Beban Park Social Centre on June 27 starting at 6 p.m. will hopefully engage more citizens to cast their ballot.

“We’re used to byelections turning out numbers like 10, 12, 14 per cent, but given the 36 per cent that showed up for the (event centre) referendum, we think that there might be a little more presence of mind for people around this election,” he said. “It’s very important that this, especially considering the situation which resulted in a vacancy being there, very much requires people to come out.”

The most recent bylection was in 2011 to replace deceased coun. Larry McNabb and slightly more than 10 per cent of Nanaimo turned out to vote.

This time the election is to replace coun. Wendy Pratt, who resigned from a fractured council in early April.

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At the byelection debate, all 13 candidates will have one hour to talk and mingle before they take the stage.

Smythe said having such a crowded field makes satisfying everyone’s curiosity and answering all the questions difficult. “It’ll be something to juggle all thirteen, that’s for sure.”

Though he said he’s optimistic about the possible turnout on July 8, Smythe said there is a major factor working against the byelection.

“It’ll be interesting to see if there isn’t maybe a bit of voter fatigue. This is the third time to polls in less than four months. That tests people’s patience.”

Questions for the candidates were submitted to the Chamber over the past week. Questions may also be taken from the floor.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit