RUSSELL – The unofficial results of the Russell Township municipal by-election have been announced, with Charles Armstrong declared the winner. Armstrong will assume office on Oct.15, 2024, for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, which ends on Nov. 14, 2026.
The votes for the four candidates vying for the position were as follows:
- Charles Armstrong 1,278
- Julian Hunt 789
- Jean-Yves Otis 878
- Jevon Rudder 772
Voter turnout was recorded at 22.8 per cent, with only 3,746 of the municipality’s 16,407 eligible voters participating. While voter participation was lower than expected, the election remains a significant component of democratic engagement within the community.
The election was held because of Councillor Michael Tarnowski assuming the role of Mayor, on May 27, 2024, following the resignation of Mayor Pierre Leroux, which was effective Apr. 19, 2024. Leroux stepped down to assume the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) with The Nation. Charles Armstrong, once sworn in, will fill the vacant Councillor’s position.
For further details of the results and the next steps in the confirmation process, please visit the Russell Township website at russell.ca/byelection.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.