Surrey South voters are once again being called to the polls to appoint a representative in Victoria.
This is the second time in 24 months that voters in the riding have been asked to elect an MLA. This time, however, incumbent Stephanie Cadieux won’t be on the ballot, having resigned the role last April to become Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer.
Five candidates have stepped up to take her place and in this week’s edition of Peace Arch News, they answer five questions put to them about provincial issues that are of particular interest to local residents.
With a hotly-contested municipal race taking place in the city – one that has already included an outrageous campaign promise and reignited the debates over policing and cannabis sales – Surrey voters already have plenty to consider.
Add to that, the hustle and bustle of back-to-school and, for many, a return to day-to-day work life following the summer hiatus, and the Sept. 10 provincial byelection might not be high on a lot of people’s lists of priorities.
Voter turnout for byelections is typically lower than it is for general elections and the timing of this one isn’t likely to help. But Elections BC is making it as easy as possible for every eligible voter in the riding to cast a ballot, with polling stations placed throughout the riding and six advance polling dates to choose from, in addition to the General Election Day.
Voting matters – at every level. The provincial government is responsible for a range of services that play a vital role in residents’ quality of life – from healthcare to education and transportation.
Each has its share of problems – from ambulance wait times and the toxic drug crisis, to school portables and traffic gridlock.
Whether they sit as a member of the government, the official opposition or simply as MLA, whoever Surrey South voters send to Victoria will be their voice on many of the issues that hit closest to home.