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Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton is running in two elections at the same time. He is seeking re-election as mayor while also campaigning as the BC Conservative candidate in the Vernon-Lumby provincial riding. The two votes fall just one week apart, with municipal elections on October 17 and the provincial election on October 24.
A Snap Election Forces an Unusual Decision
Acton had already entered the municipal race before Premier David Eby called a snap provincial election. Rather than withdraw from either contest, he chose to compete in both. “It’s always been my intention to run conservative provincially, and so it’s just the way it’s happened,” Acton said. “It’s really bad timing. Eby decided to call an election during the municipal elections for the province.”
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Acton made clear that he values his role as mayor. “I would love to be the mayor again for another four years if I don’t win the provincial election,” he said. His priority, he explained, is to continue serving the region in whichever capacity voters choose.
Political Expert Raises Concerns
Not everyone views the dual candidacy without question. Hamish Telford, an associate professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley, said the decision could create confusion among voters. “People might have questions about a candidate’s motivation,” Telford said. “Oh, you’re running in two elections to see which one turns out best, rather than working for what is in the best interest of voters.”
Acton acknowledged that some people may see his choice as self-serving. However, he defended it on democratic grounds. “They deserve a proper election, and there’s only one other opponent running in this election,” he said. “So if I withdrew, he would just automatically get the seat, and I don’t think that’s fair to the voter.”
Lumby Residents Largely Supportive
Local residents appear comfortable with Acton’s approach. Alan Simpson, a Lumby resident, said he saw no problem with it. “Good for him if he is able to see which one comes up and work with that,” Simpson said.
Another resident, John Strack, agreed. “If the provincial one wasn’t called after the municipal one, then yes, I would have a problem,” Strack said. “But because it was forced on him to make a decision now, no, I don’t see a problem.”
Byelection Cost Raises a Separate Debate
If Acton wins the provincial seat, Lumby residents would need to return to the polls for a mayoral byelection. Acton said he would personally cover that cost through a donation to the village.
This approach is not without precedent. In 2013, former Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton wrote a personal cheque for more than $30,000 after winning a provincial legislature seat, which triggered a mayoral byelection.
However, Telford raised concerns about allowing private citizens to fund public elections. “I am quite concerned by this idea that the citizen can pay for a byelection,” he said. “If that is in fact the case, then that’s a loophole that has to be closed.” Elections BC confirmed that it does not administer costs related to local election administration, leaving the question of oversight unresolved.
For now, Acton continues to campaign on both fronts. His focus, he says, remains on serving the Lumby region — whatever the outcome of either vote.
