Skip to content

Cowichan Tribes’ election postponed until new year

First Nation reports technical error with voters’ list
27396594_web1_211104-CCI-Cowichan-Tribes-isolation-units-picture_1
Cowichan Tribes has postponed its election for chief and council, scheduled for Dec. 3, until the new year due to a technical error with the voting list. (Citizen file)

The Cowichan Tribes’ election for chief and 12 members of council that was scheduled for Dec. 3 has been postponed until the new year.

A press release said Cowichan Tribes council and their electoral officer were very recently advised that a technical error occurred with the database that creates the First Nation’s voter list, resulting in some voters failing to receive notice of the election on Dec. 3 and an election package.

“Council, in consultation with the electoral officer and Indigenous Services Canada, immediately took steps to ensure that membership participate in a fair and democratic election process,” the release said.

“Therefore, the chief and council election scheduled for Dec. 3 has been postponed. Council, staff, and their electoral officer plan to hold the election as soon as possible and expect to roll out the postponed election early in the New Year.”

The nine contenders for chief are Chief William Seymour, Acting Chief Cindy Daniels, Debra Toporowski, Stephanie Atleo, Howard George, Stuart Pagaduan, Christopher Daniel Alphonse, Lydia Hwitsum and Hwiemtun Roland.

There are 51 candidates for the 12 council seats, and all 12 current councillors are running for re-election.