With the provincial election six weeks away, voter registration is steadily increasing, say officials.
Early last month, Elections B.C. hosted five voter registration drives in Squamish. The numbers are being tallied, Elections B.C. spokesperson Andrew Watson said, but preliminary results appear to be positive.
"We have been conducting outreach activities throughout the province," he said.
The non-partisan organization is requesting that eligible voters ensure their names are on the voting list and those already inked in make sure their information is up to date. Initiated last month, more than 1.9 million notices will be mailed to residents requesting that people double check their status.
Last year, approximately 3.2 million British Columbians were on the eligible voter list. As of Feb. 11, about 3.1 million residents were considered registered voters. Residents can register to vote or update information online at www.elections.bc.ca/ovr or by calling 1-800-661-8683. Citizens can also identify the names of voters no longer living at their address, chief electoral officer Keith Archer stated in a press release.
"Be ready for the provincial general election," he said.
Ballot boxes will be out on Tuesday, May 14. After two terms in office, B.C. Liberal West Vancouver-Sea to Sky incumbent MLA Joan McIntyre is not putting her name in the pool for re-election.
To date, Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy has placed his name on the ballot as a Liberal candidate. Squamish resident and environmental activist Ana Santos will run as a New Democratic Party.
So far no Conservative or Green Party candidates have come forward. Last provincial election, McIntyre was up against Green Party candidate Jim Stephenson and New Democrat Juliana Buitenhuis.
For more information on the upcoming election visit www.elections.bc.ca.
