The byelection to replace the late MaryWade Anderson's spot on White Rock council gets underway this week with the opening of the nomination period for prospective councillors.

Potential nominees have until 4 p.m. next Friday, Sept. 28 to get their papers in to White Rock chief election officer Tracey Clark. However, before nominees begin showing up to submit their nomination packages, there are a few things Clark would like people to know.

"One of the first things I do stress is the timing," said Clark. "Sometimes you have to be cautious about that because city hall is open until 4: 30 p.m. so I've had people in the past miss it by coming in a little bit after four."

Because the laws are provincially legislated, Clark said there can be no leeway in accepting applications.

Another thing would-be nominees should be aware of, said Clark, is the requirement of gathering 10 signatures from eligible voters in order to verify a candidate's intent to run.

"Council recently passed a bylaw requiring 10 nominators for nominees," said Clark. "The reason for that is they must electors of the City of White Rock meaning they must either live in White Rock or own property here. The reason we have is that we want to be sure the candidates are serious about moving forward with election."

Finally, those interested in running for a position on council should note a $100 deposit is required for all nominees.

"The $100 deposit is also a new bylaw for us," explained Clark. "About half of the municipalities in the province require the deposit and it is something we're permitted to do."

According to Clark, like the 10-signature requirement, the $100 deposit is meant to show that the nominee is committed and serious about running.

"It is a deposit so it does come back to the candidate once they have handed in their expenses for the campaign," she said.

Those interested in running for council are asked to pick up nomination packages at White Rock City Hall between 8: 30 a.m. and 4: 30 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information, go to http: //bit.ly/QnMX2S.

The byelection will take place on Nov. 3.

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com

Twitter @questionchris