Nanaimo voters will head to the polls in 4 weeks to elect a replacement for former MLA Leonard Krog. Premier John Horgan has called the byelection for Wednesday, Jan. 30th.
The stakes are high, with some observers saying the results have the potential to weaken the New Democrats' fragile hold on power.
The NDP-Green alliance currently gives the Horgan government a single seat more than the Opposition Liberals in the legislature.
The byelection was made necessary after former NDP MLA Leonard Krog resigned after winning Nanaimo's Mayoral seat in the October municipal elections.
The BC-NDP party is counting on the current Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Sheila Malcolmson, to retain the riding -- which is considered a traditional NDP stronghold.
Malcolmson is resigning her federal seat to run for the provincial position.
The BC Liberals have endorsed local businessman Tony Harris, and retired teacher Michele Ney will represent the Greens.
Meantime there is precious little time to register to vote if you aren't already on the list. The deadline is midnight tonight.
You can go online at elections.bc.ca -- or register and update your information by phone at 1-800-661-8683.
If you miss the deadline, the only option would be to register in person at the voting venues.