The Foothills School Division is holding a municipal byelection on October 22nd for the position of one trustee in Ward 1.

Board chair Larry Albrecht says the election is to fill the seat after the disqualification of Jeannine Tucker after the last election.

Tucker won the seat in the last election and served as the trustee for the ward for four years before that.

The school act says a disqualified candidate cannot run again for two election cycles.

"We checked with our legal counsel and according to him a disqualified trustee isn't able to run in the byelection," said Albrecht. "Or for two more general election cycles. That is according to section 88 of the school act and section 24 of the local authorities election act."

Albrecht adds anyone can file nomination papers, including Tucker, and they can run, then it is up to the board to act on the results.

Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services Drew Chipman says the returning officers role is not to be a gate keeper.

"Anyone can put forward nomination papers, if they believe they are eligible to run," added Chipman. "Even if they don't believe they are eligible to run, they can run, then it is up to the elector or the board to act if they believe they are disqualified."

Nomination papers are due on Sept. 24th. For more information go to the Foothills School Division Website.

 

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