WATCH: Eby will 'consider' concerns overlapping elections could hinder local democracy

VANCOUVER — Premier David Eby has responded to warnings that overlapping elections could negatively impact local democracy.

He said his government will "consider" the concerns, which have been shared by countless municipal leaders, and a number of political parties, and the Union of BC Municipalities.

"I'm aware of the resolution that was passed from the floor, and I understand the anxiety of candidates in the room," Eby said when asked by outgoing UBCM president Cori Ramsay. "The issues faced by local governments are crucial for the future of the province; it's important they have the attention that they need, and I understand why local leaders would be concerned about overlapping elections."

He went on to note that he and his team "will certainly consider the resolution an the advice."

UBCM implores Eby to hold off on dropping writ until after municipal elections

UBCM President Cori Ramsay warned that overlapping campaigns will “confuse” voters and erode local democracy.

Sitka MediaJarryd Jäger

On Thursday, Ramsay warned that overlapping campaigns would "cause chaos and confusion," pointing out that voter turnout at the local level is already low.

"Newsrooms only have so much bandwidth," she added. "Overlapping elections will lead to less scrutiny, less accountability, and it’s not in the public interest. Local elections should should provide space for discussions of local priorities, without being overshadowed by concurrent provincial campaigns."

When asked by Sitka Media following his address on Friday whether he agreed that concurrent elections could cause confusion, Eby reiterated that he "understand[s] the perspectives of local government leaders," and will "take it into consideration."

Eby maintained that he was "not making any announcement about an election today."