Sooke’s byelection is just around the corner, and seven candidates have taken to the campaign trail in hopes of becoming the next Sooke councillor. Their next stop? The Sooke Legion.
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative, will host a council candidates forum on Tuesday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. upstairs at the Sooke Legion, located at 6726 Eustace Rd.
“This free and public event offers Sooke residents the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking election to the District of Sooke council,” said Deb Schenk, executive director of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.
All declared candidates have been invited to participate in the forum, including Shaun Burns, Nick Dickinson-Wilde, Herb Haldane, Elaine Price, Helen Ritts, Katherine Strongwind and Nathan McKeown.
The evening will include opening statements from each candidate, followed by table sessions.
“In other words, all candidates will sit at separate tables, and interested members of the public can gather for 10 minutes before moving to another delegate table,” Schenk explained in the release.
Table sessions will be followed by a moderated Q&A featuring selected questions, if time allows.
“The format is designed to promote respectful dialogue and help residents make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming byelection,” said Schenk.
Ahead of general voting day on Saturday, July 12, residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballot early, with advance voting held July 2 at Sooke Municipal Hall.
For those with mobility challenges, curbside voting will be available at both locations.
“Residents are reminded that this byelection is an important opportunity to shape the direction of local government. Your voice matters – be informed, be heard, and be sure to vote,” said Schenk.
