A referendum vote in the District of Barriere to authorize borrowing of up to $1,200,000 for the proposed water main upgrade on Barriere Town Road was defeated by just 14 votes.
Out of a total 1,377 property owners eligible to vote in the referendum, only 28.1 per cent took the time to cast a ballot. The final count on Saturday, May 24, for Borrowing Bylaw No. 102 showed 338 ballots counted, with 201 “NO” votes, and 187 “YES” votes.
District of Barriere Mayor Bill Humphreys commented, ”The results are disappointing for two reasons. One, is that there were so few that voted, and two, that the result was negative.”
The Star/Journal asked the mayor to clarify reports that there was confusion at the polling station for some voters regarding who was eligible to vote, or not?
Humphreys answered that he had received calls on the Saturday and the Monday from people who had questions about the voting procedures at the polling station.
“Council has been made aware that during the election some mistakes in procedure could have occurred,” said the Mayor, “With legal advice these concerns have been turned over to the elections returning officer, Ms. Colleen Hannigan.”
Voters have seven days from May 24, 2013, to file a motion in court for a judicial review should they deem one necessary.