The Polls are now closed, and the counting has begun as Cariboo Voters elect their local leaders.
In Quesnel, incumbent Mayor Ron Paull is facing challenges from former city councillor and MLA Coralee Oakes and Brian Waters.
Eighteen candidates are running for six city council seats, including all six of the incumbents.
In Williams Lake, Mayor Surinderpal Rathor is being challenged by former mayor Walter Cobb.
Fifteen candidates are vying for six council seats in the Lake City. At least three new faces will be joining the city council, as incumbents Angie Delainey, Joan Flaspohler, and Jazmyn Lyons are not seeking re-election.
There is also a two-horse race for Mayor in 100 Mile House as David Jurek is challenging the incumbent, Mayor Maureen Pinkeny, who was acclaimed in the 2022 election.
Ten candidates are running for four available spots on council. Incumbent Jenni Guimond’s name will not be on a ballot this time around, as she has chosen not to seek re-election.
Seven races in the Cariboo Regional District
There is a total of seven races out of the 12 regional areas in the Cariboo Regional District (CRD).
Regional district Chair Margo Wagner had to campaign for the first time since 2011. After being acclaimed three times, Wagner is running against John Kellet in Area H, which is in Canim Lake and Forest Grove.
John Massier has company this time around in Area C, which is Bowron Lake, Barlow Creek, and Barkerville. Massier is being challenged by Clint Cave.
Massier was acclaimed the last five times; he was first elected back in 2008.
Area B, which includes Quesnel West and Bouchie Lake, has a crowded ballot, as incumbent Barb Bachmeier is being challenged by four candidates: Denise Bardua, Heloise Dixon-Warren, and Robert Mertz. Dixon-Warren is a former CRD director for Area B, she was director from 2011 to 2014.
Longtime Area G, Lac La Hache and 108 Mile Ranch, incumbent director, Al Richmond, is facing a challenge from two opponents. Roslyn Griston and Michele Spence are running against him. Richmond was first elected as Area G director back in 1993.
Elections are also taking place in CRD Electoral Areas E, K, and L.
Voters will also be choosing School Board Trustees in Quesnel and the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
