Voters in the Baddeck, N.S., area will go to the polls at the end of May to replace Victoria County councillor Jess Kerr, who resigned last month for personal reasons.

County councillors voted this week to set the District 3 byelection for May 30.

Council considered electronic balloting, but opted instead for paper ballots only, which Coun. Donna Matheson-LeFort called the “el cheapo” method during Monday’s council meeting.

“The last election we had, we had a lot of people that wanted paper, but the younger group, they like everything electronic, so either way, but we decided to go with paper this time,” Warden Jackie Organ said.

County clerk Steff MacLeod told council a byelection using only paper ballots would cost roughly $1,200, while electronic balloting could cost up to $5,000 and a hybrid version involving both methods would cost approximately $6,200.

Organ, who has been covering District 3 since the seat became vacant, said she has not yet heard of anyone interested in running.

“I’m hoping people take interest in this,” she said. “It’s a good thing for your community to stand up and look out for everyone.”

Nomination day is May 5.

Meanwhile, Organ said she will be in the Victoria County municipal office in Baddeck on Monday, May 4, from noon to 1 p.m. in case District 3 constituents want to talk.

Organ said she’s also generally available by phone or email.

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