The by-election in Tumbler Ridge that ended in a tie, has now been decided. The official results have been released, and Keith Bertrand has been declared the winner.
After Saturday’s vote, Bertrand and Don Mcpherson both finished with 108 votes each.
The recount process consisted of opening the sealed election material envelopes, verifying the list of electors, of all ballot accounts for all voting opportunities (advanced voting, mail ballots and general election day), recounting all valid votes, and reconsidering any rejected ballots.
During the recount, election officials reconsidered two ballots that were initial rejected. That was enough to give Bertrand a one-vote victory. According to the District only 328 people showed up to vote.
Of the three ballots that were initially rejected under section 139(2) and section 139(4)(c) of the Local Government Act, one remained rejected. Following the receipt of legal advice, two previously rejected ballots were accepted to give effect to the voters’ intention where that intention was clear despite technical non-compliance.
The by-election was held after former councillor Ken Klikach resigned on January 20th.