NANAIMO — More than two weeks after voters elected a majority BC Conservative government, some in the region are no closer to knowing who will represent them in Victoria.
Final results confirmed by Elections BC show NDP incumbent Stephanie Higginson 50 votes ahead of BC Conservative challenger Kris McNichol, as of Monday, Nov. 9, well within the threshold to force a judicial review of the ballots.
In a post on social media, Higginson said the results are “promising,” but it’s far too early to confirm her return to the provincial capital.
“I remain hopeful that this review will confirm the results and I can get back to work as the MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside soon. Together, we have accomplished so much, and there is still so much work to do. I want to congratulate Kris McNichol and his team on running a strong campaign.”
A specific timeline for the judicial review has yet to be confirmed.
Recounts are triggered when the difference between the first and second-placed candidate is less than 1/500th of the total ballots cast.
Ladysmith-Oceanside saw 32,318 votes cast, 44 of which were rejected, for the second highest total in the province behind only Saanich North and the Islands.
A margin of 65 ballots would be needed to avoid a judicial review.
Elections BC began their final count of ballots on Friday, Nov. 6, and said the process would be completed no later than Tuesday, Nov. 10.
As of Monday morning, with Ladysmith-Oceanside listed as ‘complete’, Higginson had 14,354 votes to McNichol’s 14,304.
Green Party candidate Charlene Smylie received 3,365 votes.
McNichol said late Saturday on his social media platforms, while the count was underway, he’s proud of how engaged Ladysmith-Oceanside voters were during the campaign.
“Whatever happens next, my family and I are humbled by the support you’ve shown us. To the 14,300 people who put their trust in me, thank you. To every volunteer who knocked on doors, put up signs, made calls, or gave up time with their family to help, thank you. And to everyone who came out to vote, whoever you voted for, thank you for having your say.”
Other area ridings were not as close.
The BC NDP were reelected in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island via Sheila Malcolmson, while George Anderson retained his seat in Nanaimo-Lantzville, while Josie Osborne is back as MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim.
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