The next group of local leaders are expected to be named Saturday night, as Cowichan Valley 2022 municipal elections gets underway.
Cowichan Valley residents will vote in three municipal elections, regional district races, and for a board for the Cowichan Valley School District.
Those in North Cowichan will select one of the three candidates to be mayor. Incumbent Al Siebring is not running. They will also vote for six councillors from 15 candidates.
In Lake Cowichan residents will choose between incumbent mayor Bob Day and longtime councillor Tim McGonigle, who is challenging him. They will also vote for four councillors from five contenders.
In Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples has been acclaimed. Voters will choose a six person council from nine candidates.
In the Cowichan Valley Regional District there are seven separate races for area directors. Area A (Mill Bay/Malahat) residents will choose from three candidates; the incumbent is not running. In Area B (Shawnigan Lake) voters will decide between the incumbent and a single challenger. Area C (Cobble Hill) voters face the same scenario. In Area D two candidates are vying for the job formerly held by board chair Lori Iannidinardo, who is not running for re-election. Area E (Sahtlam/Glenora/Cowichan Station) voters will choose between the incumbent and a challenger, as will voters in Area G (Saltair/Gulf Islands). In Area I (Youbou/Meade Creek) voters will choose from among four candidates, including the incumbent. Ian Morrison was acclaimed in Area F, and Ben Maartman was acclaimed in Area H. Residents of those areas may still vote for school board and in the recreation funding referendum.
For Cowichan Valley School District, voters will vote for seven of 18 candidates.
Polls are open in from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Where you can vote:
In North Cowichan: Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, Quamichan School, Crofton Elementary School, Ecole Mount Prevost School, Maple Bay Elementary School, North Cowichan Municipal Hall.
In Lake Cowichan: Centennial Hall.
In Duncan: Duncan firehall
In Area A: George Bonner Elementary School
In Area B: Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
In Area C: Cobble Hill Community Hall
In Area D: Bench Elementary School
In Area E: Duncan Eagles Hall
In Area F: Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
In Area G: Chemainus Elementary School; Thetis Island - 292 North Cove (adjusted times)
In Area H: North Oyster Elementary School
In Area I: Youbou Community Hall
Who you can vote for?
Who’s running in the election in Cowichan Valley?
Rob Douglas announces bid for mayor of North Cowichan
North Cowichan councillor Rosalie Sawrie running for mayor
John Koury running for mayor of North Cowichan
Tim McGonigle running for mayor of Lake Cowichan
Bob Day running for re-election as mayor of Lake Cowichan
What happens once polls close?
After 8 p.m. local time, election officials will begin counting and tallying the ballots.
Check out our website and Facebook page for full coverage of the results once polls close.