Results of the by-election in North Cowichan have been released, and voters have elected Becky Hogg to replace Debra Toporowski as councilor.
A total of 4,866 ballots were cast in last night’s by-election, and according to the Municipality of North Cowichan 1,300 were cast in advanced voting, along with 84 submitted through mail-in ballot.
Hogg narrowly won her seat with 2,029 votes followed by Joanna Lord (1,962), David Bellis (447), Johanne Kemmler (387) and Raymon Farmere (41).
She says being elected is a humbling experience, and she won’t break the trust the community has given her.
“it’s very hard to believe,” she says. “It was a tough race, the other candidates are extremely strong, educated and I feel very blessed.”
Hogg adds part of her goal during the campaign was to inspire younger voters to cast their ballot, and hopes this by-election shows them how important it is to get out to vote and exercise their democratic right.
“I was trying to explain to them how important voting is, and pay attention as well as get involved in the community,” she says. “I feel getting the younger people and educating them will get them more involved.”
Hogg was campaigning on several issues in North Cowichan including advocating for expanding addiction treatment services, providing more affordable homes, more law enforcement, lowering expenses, and providing core services for residents.
Official results of the election are expected to be declared on Apr. 16.
