(Campbell River, BC) - On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, an advance voting opportunity for the School District 72 school trustee election was conducted in the city of Campbell River. An error in the instructions on the ballots provided by City election officials was discovered after voting had commenced, and upon discovering the error the election officials began verbally advising voters how to properly fill out their ballots. It is possible that some of the ballots filled out before the error was discovered will be found to be invalid for the school trustee portion of the ballot, and if so, will not be included when the election results are determined for the School District 72 election.
Campbell River voters who have not yet submitted their mail ballot should select no more than five (5) School Trustee candidates.
This notice concerns only advance voting for the School District 72 school trustee election conducted by the City of Campbell River on October 7 and 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.
Maintaining the integrity of the election process remains the highest priority. The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Child Care have been contacted with a request that a ministerial order be issued addressing this issue. An update will be provided once that request is responded to. Election officials responsible for conducting the School District 72 School Trustee Election will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that voting proceedings are conducted in accordance with the governing legislation and applicable election bylaws.
We recognize voters may have questions and appreciate the public's patience while the matter is addressed. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available
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Media Contact:
Edith Watson
Chief Election Officer - Strathcona Regional District & School District 72
250-830-6712 | ewatson@srd.ca