Only three hours are left before voting stations close for the Hope byelection and council hopefuls are looking forward to seeing who wins.
It’s officially Election Day and, since 8 a.m., the district hall has been busy with locals voting for who they'd like to see on council. For this byelection, four candidates are seeking to fill the position left by now-former Coun. Zachary Wells who resigned on Feb. 3. Residents have until 8 p.m. to vote.
The candidates are Michael Bowcott, Bonny Graham, Nate Brown, and Magnus DuBeau. They've shared their biographies with The Hope Standard over the past several weeks.
With the results only a few hours away, the candidates said they've been grateful for the support they've seen from community. At the same time they are all feeling hopeful about their chances of being elected.
Graham, who will be waiting for the results at her home, said she's noticed more engagement from the community during this byelection.
"The town has been quite engaged and has brought forth some really important issues that I think the residents of this town want heard," Graham said. "And I want to appreciate how many people have come forth to support me. People I don't even know, from all walks of life, are coming and approaching me and wishing me the best of luck. And that they've given me their support, which means a lot to me.
"I'm hoping for the best because I really do want to sit on the council, and be a voice for the people of Hope."
Bowcott, who is also waiting for the results at his home, has also noticed more people at the polls.
"There's more interest than I imagined," Bowcott said. "The more people that vote, the better that everybody's off. That's how democracy works. If you don't vote, it doesn't work.
"But running is just a continuation of my community service. I think there's a need to be filled. It's not to disparage anybody that's there. But I'm of the mind that if you don't see it done right, then do it yourself. We need to have voices and loud ones."
Brown, who is currently coaching a soccer game in Osoyoos and won't be back till later this evening, said he felt good about the campaigning.
"I'm feeling really good, actually," Brown said. "I think that the majority of us, that are running in this election, we really care about this town. We all have a pretty good vision of this town. And I think I did as much as I could to get out my message. So, it's kind of up to the town now to decide who they like the best.
"I love Hope. I want to make a path forward through tourism and slow, steady, growth. And I hope that message resonated with the voters."
DuBeau, who will be waiting for the results at his store, said he is glad to see the community come together in the name of democracy.
"Regardless of the results, this is democracy at work, DuBeau said. "We're really coming together right now as Canadians, and I think that's just beautiful. It's really what we need right now. And it really shows that our system still works no matter what pressure is put on us.
"I'm feeling pretty confident and I'm just I'm excited for the opportunity (to hopefully) provide more for our town's future careers and infrastructure."
To vote, residents need two pieces of identification, proving both identity and residency. At least one piece needs to have the voter's signature.
For more information about the byelection, contact Morgan at bmorgan@hope.ca or the Deputy Chief Election Officer Donna Bellingham. Bellingham can be emailed at dbellingham@hope.ca and called at 604-869-5671.
