Just after Kamloops voters went to the polls to elect a new pair of MLAs, we’re headed back again to choose a new mayor and two new city councillors. KamloopsBCNow has launched KamloopsVotes.com, one-stop web portal to learn about each of the 27 candidates, and compiled this handy guide to voting in the September 30th byelection to help you decide how to cast your ballot.

The four-year council term is three years in, but three seats are now empty. Former mayor Peter Milobar has a new role after taking the Kamloops-North Thompson riding in the May provincial election, Marg Spina resigned from city council this summer and Ken Christian has given up his council seat to run for mayor.

Those elected in this byelection will carry out the current term until the general municipal election in fall 2018. 

Here’s everything you need to know about casting your vote on September 30th:

Who’s running

There are six candidates running for mayor and 21 seeking two councillor seats.

To help you get to know who's running, KamloopsBCNow has launched KamloopsVotes.com, a comprehensive platform where you can learn a little about each candidate and keep up with their social media channels.

We’ve included links to their websites and relevant social feeds and info on how to get in touch with them. Follow along with #Kampaign17 to keep up to date with all the election buzz.

We’ll also be posting election results on KamloopsVotes.com come election day, so check back to see how Kamloops voted.

What they have to say

There are a few opportunities to hear the candidates in action:

• The Kamloops and District Labour Council is hosting an all-candidates forum at Desert Gardens on Thursday, September 14th at 7 p.m. The format will be a roundtable discussion on topics such as green jobs and environment, food security, affordable housing, living wage and fair bargaining, equity and accessibility, transportation and arts and culture.
• An all-candidates forum for seniors is happening Monday, September 18th at Desert Gardens from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• A media-sponsored all-candidates forum is scheduled for September 18th at Sagebrush Theatre starting at 6:30 p.m.
• The North Shore Business Improvement Association is hosting a discussion-style meetup with candidates on Tuesday, September 26th at the North Shore Community Centre Society on Cottonwood Avenue. The event is open to all members of the public and residents will have a chance to speak with candidates in a small group setting.
• The Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union is hosting Pizza and Politics, a meet and greet with byelection candidates on Wednesday, September 27th from noon to 2 p.m. in the Students’ Union Building on campus.

When and where to vote

If you know you won’t be able to cast a ballot on election day on September 30th, you can vote at advanced polls. Advance voting is happening at Heritage House from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday September 20th, Thursday September 21st and Wednesday September 27th.

General voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.on September 30th at the following locations:

• Lloyd George Elementary School, 830 Pine St.
• Aberdeen Elementary School, 2191 Van Horne Dr.
• South Sahali Elementary School, 1585 Summit Dr.
• Dufferin Elementary School, 1880 Hillside Dr.
• Beattie Elementary School, 492 McGill Rd.
• Valleyview Secondary School, 1950 Valleyview Dr.
• Dallas Elementary School, 296 Harper Rd.  
• Rayleigh Elementary School, 306 Puett Ranch Rd.
• NorKam Secondary School, 730 12th St.  
• Parkcrest Elementary School, 2170 Parkcrest Ave.  
• Westmount Elementary School, 745 Walkem Rd.  
• Arthur Stevenson Elementary School, 2890 Bank Rd.

Something to note: On the ballot, you can’t vote for more candidates than there are positions to be filled, but you can vote for less than are required.

Who can vote

You can vote in the election in Kamloops if you are a Canadian citizen, are 18 or older on voting day, have lived in B.C. for at least six months, have lived in Kamloops for at least 30 days and are not disqualified by law from voting

It does not matter whether or not you own a home in Kamloops, all residents who meet these requirements can cast a vote. If you own property in Kamloops but live somewhere else in B.C., you can also vote in municipal elections. For more information on being a non-resident property elector, visit the City of Kamloops website.

What you’ll need

To vote in the byelection, you’ll need two pieces of ID, at least one with your signature and one with your address. Here are acceptable forms of ID:

• B.C. Driver's License (a combined B.C. Driver's Licence/CareCard will be accepted as one piece of ID)
• B.C. CareCard or B.C. Gold Care Card
• B.C. ID issued by the Motor Vehicle Branch
• ICBC Owner's Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle License
• Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8
• Social Insurance card
• Citizenship Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Property tax notice
• Credit card or debit card
• Utility bill for electricity, natural gas, water, telephone or cable services
• Welfare cheque stub showing name and ID number
• Statutory declaration or sworn affidavit (from a notary public, lawyer or commissioner for taking oaths).

KamloopsVotes.com is a platform KamloopsBCNow will use again in the future and we’d love to hear what you think. Fill out the feedback form on the website or send your comments to news@kamloopsbcnow.com.