There are 22 official candidates running in this fall’s Rocky View County municipal election, Oct. 18.
Nominations closed at noon on Sept. 20. Elections will be held in eight of the nine divisions, as all but one has at least two candidates. Divisions 3 and 9 each have four candidates.
“I am not surprised,” said Barbara Van Fraassen, Rocky View County returning officer. “In 2007, we had 17 candidates in total.”
During that election, there were three acclamations, she added. Van Fraassen may be used to the large number of candidates, but she said having divisions with four candidates was unexpected.
“We are not that large of a county,” said Van Fraassen. “If the candidates get the voters out, then it is very good straightforward democratic process. If not, someone could get elected by default.”
In the 2007 election, candidates in two divisions won by less than 100 votes. In fact, one candidate won by 23 votes, according to Van Fraassen.
“The truth of the matter is, every vote counts,” she said.
The current Reeve, Lois Habberfield, was acclaimed in Division 9. She is happy she was acclaimed, and is pleased with the number of candidates seeking election.
“I was pleased that I am acclaimed,” said Habberfield.
“I hope it means I have strong community support. I will continue to try to do my very best for the residents of Division 7.”
Habberfield said she hopes the campaigns will be respectful and professional.
“I hope they (the candidates) keep the race clean and about positive messages,” she said.
On Election Day, Oct. 20, there will be 27 voting stations spread throughout the municipality.
In addition, there will be four advanced polls running. The first will be held on Oct. 4 at the Elbow Valley Residents Club. Subsequent polls will be held Oct. 5 at the Balzac Community Centre, Oct. 6 at the Langdon IOFF Hall and Oct. 7 at the County’s municipal office.
All advanced polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. Each of the advanced polls will have ballot boxes for every division, as well as for the Rocky View Schools election.
Van Fraassen is urging eligible voters to make their mark during this fall’s election, whether on Election Day or during advanced polls.
“Municipal politics are so accessible, but they almost impact literally everything we do,” said Van Fraassen.
“If you want to see a change closer to home or want to see things stay the same, you need to place that municipal vote. If you wish to have a say in your government, this is the way to do it.”
