What was 91 is now 55.
That’s the number of people seeking office in this year’s Lake Babine Nation council elections.
Lawrence Lewis, electoral officer for the Lake Babine Nation, released the final candidates notice last week. While 36 names have been dropped from this year’s election slate, it’s still a crowded field.
Ten individuals, including incumbent Wilf Adam, are running for chief this year. Other candidates for the top job are Frank J. Alec Sr., Victor J. Alec Sr., Anna R. Bertacco, Crystal D. Harwood, Myrtle M. Michell, former chief Emma Palmantier, Bernard Patrick, Mary Ann Poirier, and Victor Tom.
Twenty-one people are hoping they’ll be one of four elected to represent the community of Woyenne, including incumbent Derek C. MacDonald. He’ll be joined by fellow candidates Kelsey M. Abraham, Scott V. Abraham, Johnathan Myles Alec, Marilyn R. Alec, Deanna F. Brown, Darcy N. Dennis, Maurice Joseph, Melvin Joseph, Dwight A.R. Michell, Fabian J. Michell, Frank Michell Sr., Darren S. Patrick, Dorothy Patrick, Murphy Patrick Jr., Bridget R.I. Peter, Donald T.B. Prince, Susie Tress, Joel T. West, Nancy Williams, and Raymond J. Williams.
Thirteen candidates are vying for the two vacant council seats allocated to the community of Tachet. Eugene K. Alec, Elizabeth C. Charlie, David J.R. Findlay, Louie George, Mildred M. (Alec) George, (Ronald) Ron George, Heather T. Joseph, (Saint) Paul Joseph, Corrine L. Leon, Johnson Tom, and Victor Tom are all challenging incumbents Delores Alec and Leonard Lawley.
The community of Fort Babine is allocated two seats on Lake Babine council, four more than the number of candidates seeking them this year. Incumbents Bessie West and Fred William hope to return to the council table, but to do so, they’ll have to defeat challengers John P. West, Vickie A. West, Victor S. William, and Clara Williams.
Candidates for Old Fort’s single seat on council are Raymond (Smoody) Alec Jr., (William) Bill A. Findlay, Verna H. Power, Debbi L. West, and Lori M. West.
Individuals nominated and seconded as candidates at nomination meetings held June 5 in Woyenne, Tachet, and Fort Babine had until June 15 to file their candidacy acceptance forms. Those who failed to do so had their names struck from the list of candidates.
The Lake Babine Nation’s 1777 registered voters go to the polls July 3. Advance voting was held yesterday (June 23).