(Campbell River, BC) - As announced on Friday, October 9, 2026, an error was identified in the voting instructions printed on ballots used during one of the advance voting opportunities for the School District 72 trustee election conducted in the City of Campbell River. The printed instructions incorrectly stated voters can select up to seven (7) school trustee candidates rather than directing voters to select no more than five (5) candidates. Once the error was discovered, election officials began providing verbal instructions to voters on how to correctly complete their ballots. Ballots on which voters selected more than five school trustee candidates must be rejected for the school trustee election, and the votes in that portion of those ballots will not be counted. Ballots on which five or fewer school trustee candidates were selected are not invalid and will be included in the final school trustee election results.
Provincial officials have advised that no ministerial order will be issued to address this matter. Election officials responsible for conducting the School District 72 school trustee election will continue to administer the election in accordance with governing legislation and applicable election bylaws.
Maintaining the integrity of the election process remains the highest priority. An updated statement will be provided when election results are finalized. If election officials determine that the results of the School District 72 trustee election may have been materially affected, they will consider the available options under the legislative framework and keep candidates and the public informed.
As a reminder: Campbell River voters who have not yet submitted their mail ballots should select no more than five (5) School Trustee candidates.
This updated notice concerns only the ballot instruction error affecting advance voting for the School District 72 school trustee election conducted by the City of Campbell River on October 7 and City of Campbell River mail voting.
Advance and mail voting for the 2026 Local Government Election for Mayor and Council of the City of Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District assent voting question, and advance voting for the School District 72 school trustee election held at other locations, are not impacted.
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Media Contact:
Edith Watson
Chief Election Officer - Strathcona Regional District & School District 72
250-830-6712 | ewatson@srd.ca