voting

Coldstream municipal hall, elementary school closed due to gas spill

COLDSTREAM - An incident has forced a sudden closure of the Coldstream municipal hall. According to a media release from the District of Coldstream, an overnight gas spill in the vicinity of the Coldstream municipal office, the building is closed until further notice. The gas spill happened at the Centex Gas Station on Kalamalka Lake...

HELSTON: Learning to vote is like learning to drive, we all need a little practice

In Canada, you might be born with the democratic right to vote, but you’re not born with a magical gene that makes you a natural voter. That’s a skill that takes time and patience to cultivate. And, no, I’m not talking about the basic hand-eye coordination required to draw an ‘X’ on a piece of...

ELECTION 2015: Voting basics in the North Okanagan-Shuswap

VERNON - Before you head to the polls this October, you’re going to want to know who your candidates are, where to vote, and what you need to bring with you. We’ve got you covered. Consider this your North Okanagan-Shuswap voter’s kit. We’ll introduce you to your candidates, fill you in on advance polling, and...

“Head-banging druggie” discussion positive for community, says city councillor

PENTICTON - A controversial comment made by a Penticton city councillor has sparked imaginations in Penticton with the creation of t-shirts, hashtags and Facebook groups with the slogan “head-banging druggie,” but the councillor being targeted sees the backlash as a benefit for the community. Coun. Katie Robinson said, “I’m not a head-banging druggie,” at last week’s...

Penticton council working to deal with election problems

PENTICTON - It wasn't smooth sailing during the Penticton election in November. There were too many candidates, signage problems and crowded polling stations, according to the city's corporate officer. Dana Schmidt delivered a summary of the election to the newly elected city councillors this week, noting 31.4 per cent of eligible voters, and less than 10...

ELECTION 2014: Who won in the South Okanagan

SOUTH OKANAGAN - You voted and the results are in for the mayors and councils of the South Okanagan who will start their four-year terms in December. Summerland welcomes new mayor Peter Waterman, who won with 1,197 votes. Joining him on council is Toni Boot with 2,819 votes; Erin Trainer with 2,214 votes; Erin Carlson...

ELECTION 2014: Jakubeit new mayor of Penticton

PENTICTON - The votes are in and Andrew Jakubeit is the new mayor of Penticton, beating out former councillor and colleague John Vassilaki and local businessman Jukka Laurio. Jakubeit won by more than 2,000 votes with a total of 5,126 votes.  “I just want to say thank you,” he said after the win. “The whole...

ELECTIONS 2014: Vernon voters have their say

VERNON - Local residents are having their say on who they want as city mayors, councillors, school trustees and regional district representatives. Many voters have already cast their ballots. Over the three days of advance voting, a total of 1,957 people cast their votes, up several hundred from the 2011 election. Those numbers suggest Vernon...

Penticton rapper gets on board with voting campaign

PENTICTON - A social media campaign to encourage Penticton residents to vote in the municipal election this weekend is using locally made music videos to reach the younger voters. The Get Out and Vote Penticton campaign raised over $300 at a pub night fundraiser last week, with proceeds going to online marketing to encourage people...

Social media campaigns fire up to improve voter turnout in the North Okanagan

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS BEING USED TO GET RESIDENTS OUT ON VOTING DAY VERNON - Local groups and municipalities are hoping social media campaigns can help boost voter turnout this civic election. The City of Vernon is encouraging voters to use the #ivotedvernon hashtag and to post selfies on Facebook and Twitter of themselves wearing...