How Comox Valley Common Sense came up with a mailing list before the Nov. 19 municipal election remains a mystery.
The group endorsed seven candidates each in Courtenay and Comox for the recent municipal elections.
Ronna-Rae Leonard, who was not among those endorsed but who was re-elected to Courtenay council, is concerned about a CVCS card that was delivered to her house but addressed to her deceased mother. Her mother had not lived at the residence.
The Province does not provide mailing lists to candidates or to elector organizations, according to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, which oversees the local government structure branch.
However, where a local government uses a list of electors, nominated candidates are entitled to a copy of the list. The ministry said it’s possible this list may be the source of information used by the CVCS.
The group refused to comment on the matter.
"As far as we're concerned the election's over," CVCS spokesman John Davis said.
John Ward, Courtenay's chief elections officer, said the Common Sense group did not receive a list from him.
"They're not entitled to a list of electors; candidates are," Ward said. "I don't know where their list came from."
CVCS is required to file financial disclosure statements, as are candidates, Ward added.
Of the 14 Common Sense-endorsed candidates, five were elected in Courtenay — including Larry Jangula for mayor — and three in Comox.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com