The nomination period for the Anmore byelection has begun but - so far - nobody has jumped into the race.
None of the nomination packages that candidates are required to fill out in order to run in the election have been picked up from the village office ahead of the 10-day nomination period, which began Tuesday.
"It is honestly hard to say what's happening," said Christine Milloy, the village's chief election officer. "Is it because of the time of year? Is there a lack of interest in people wanting to run?"
If nobody comes forward and runs in the Sept. 22 vote, civic election rules stipulate that the council will have to appoint someone to the position. Failing that, the provincial government would have to step in and pick someone.
But Mayor Heather Anderson does not believe it will come to that.
She told The Tri-City News most people are not aware that they can pick up the nomination packages prior to the beginning of the nomination period.
Anderson also noted that many people are on holidays at this time of year and it is difficult to get information to those who might be interested in running.
"It is probably one of the worst times you could have an election period," she said. "I think the campaign period will be more concentrated in September."
In all of her time following Anmore politics, Anderson said she could not remember a time when nobody was nominated to run in an election.
She said she knows of several people who are still pondering a run and she would be surprised if no candidates came forward.
A byelection is required in Anmore after Coun. Tim Laidler resigned in June over council's decision to hire Tim Harris as the village's chief administration officer. Laidler, who was elected just seven months earlier, said at the time that he did not believe Harris was qualified for the job and said "outside sources" interfered with the decision.
