Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith is aware of an anonymous social media post spreading misinformation about the 2025 mayoral by-election.
On February 24, the Town became aware of a Facebook post that falsely stated the results from advance voting held on February 19 had been released.
The Town would like to make it absolutely clear that the results from the February 19 advance poll have not been released. All advance voting ballots, mail-in ballots, and general voting day ballots are counted after polls close on March 1.
"The Town has not released the results of the February 19 advance poll. There is no room for interpretation under any circumstances on this matter. The results have not been tallied, nor will they be released before the appropriate time," says Donna Smith, the Town's Chief Election Officer. “Dealing with the repercussions of this false post has taken critical time away from election officials, who are working diligently to prepare for the final two voting opportunities this week.”
"This is a shameless attempt to undermine the validity of the by-election results and erode public trust in the electoral process in Ladysmith. Election officials have dedicated themselves tirelessly to ensuring the 2025 by-election is conducted with the highest integrity and that commitment will not waver. Spreading false or misleading information about the by-election results, regardless of whether it is a joke, is not only unacceptable but a threat to democracy," says Nicholas Pescod, the Town's Communications & Engagement Specialist.
The Town will not be commenting any further on the matter.
Preliminary by-election results will be posted on the Town’s website and social media on March 1 once polls have closed and all ballots have been tallied.
Complete information about the 2025 by-election process can be found at https://www.ladysmith.ca/city-hall/elections-alternative-approval-assent-voting.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606