Election Code Amendment 2024
Saik’uz First Nation 2024 Election Code Amendment Vote Results
Overview of the Vote
On December 3, 2024, Saik’uz First Nation members participated in an important vote to amend the Saik’uz Custom Election Code. The proposed amendments aimed to modernize election processes, improve governance, and reflect the community’s evolving needs. This vote marked a significant step towards enhancing community-driven decision-making and maintaining cultural continuity.
The voting period, which commenced on November 3, 2024, and concluded on December 3, 2024, included in-person, online, and mail-in options. A total of 90 ballots were cast, with 832 eligible voters. All votes were securely processed and independently verified by Simply Voting.
Key Results
The amendments proposed to the Saik’uz Custom Election Code addressed 14 key areas, receiving strong support from members. For full voting details, refer to the linked results documents below.
Highlights include:
- Clarifying Existing Code: 97.2% in favour
- Council Composition & Residency: Over 80% approval for adjustments
- Saik’uz Employee Eligibility: Closely split, with 51.4% supporting a requirement to step down within 30 days of election
- Governance Training & Campaign Rules: Over 90% approval for new standards
- Nomination Package & Official Community Votes (Plebiscites): Supported by more than 94% of voters
Participation Breakdown
- In-Person Votes: 46
- Online Votes: 37
- Mail-In Votes: 9
- Total Valid Votes: 90
No ballots were spoiled, although two were rejected.
Documents for Review
For a detailed breakdown of the voting results, please review the following documents:
Election Code Amendment Vote
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
(250) 567 9293
There are 3 ways to vote!
- In-Person: Saik'uz Band Office - 135 Joseph St, Vanderhoof, BC.
- Online: evoter.ca/saikuz Follow the instructions to vote.
- Mail-in ballots Must be received by 8 pm.
- (The ongoing Canada Post strike could affect mail-in ballots. If this impacts you and you cannot vote in person, consider registering to vote online or contacting the electoral officer for assistance.)
Register for Online Voting!
Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, the Electoral Officer has encouraged Saik'uz members living off-reserve to register and vote online.
Visit: EVoter Registration: Saik'uz First Nation
You Will Need:
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Your Status Card Number (Registry Number)
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Your Date of Birth
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Your email address
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Internet-enabled computer, phone or tablet
For detailed information, click the "Online Voting Instructions" box on the left or watch the Youtube Video.
ELECTION CODE AMENDMENT 2024
Since the Saik’uz Custom Election Code was adopted in 2017, Chief and Council are recommending updates to the code to deal with issues that the current code does not address – such as defining conflict of interest and inclusion of new technology such as online voting. The amendment process is guided by the Election Amendment Oversight Committee, a group of Saik’uz Members drawn from the previous Complaints and Appeals Board, and Saik'uz members who were interested in joining. Saik’uz community members are central to the entire process.
The amendment process will take several months, with final amendments written into the Election Code 100 days before the next election in March 2025. Your input is important in this process!
The changes aim to enhance the electoral process, ensuring greater transparency and fairness for all voters and candidates.
Key Themes of Proposed Changes
Council Composition and Rules: The proposal includes increasing the size of the council to help manage the large workload and better represent the community. This change aims to ensure that it reflects the demographics and values of Saik’uz members. Please note that eligibility requirements will be clarified to ensure that all candidates have a fair opportunity to participate.
Nomination Process: The proposed nomination process will require candidates to submit a prepared nomination package. This approach will create consistent timelines for declaring candidate eligibility, making the process more efficient and accountable for all involved.
Voting Process: To ensure all members can participate in the voting process and stay informed, the proposal introduces trusted online voting methods and online notifications to keep all Saik’uz members informed. Clear rules will be established for the notification process and official community votes (plebiscites) to ensure consistency. Also, a proposed vacancy period—like a probationary period in the workplace—will allow for the prompt swearing-in of the next eligible candidate with the highest votes if an elected council member cannot serve due to unforeseen circumstances
Contact Us:
Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us!
Elections & Voting Inquiries
Ron Laufer
Email: ronlauferelections@gmail.com
Call: 604.715.4777
Communications Inquiries
Email: elections2024@saikuz.com
Call: 250.567.9293
© 2019 Saik'uz First Nation
