Today is municipal election day in the town of Kippens.

Municipal Affairs delayed the election in September amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying behaviour.

A heavily-redacted report was issued earlier this month indicating that the alleged behaviour continued and that the respondent “did not want to make a meaningful attempt to mediate the situation and/or apologize.”

Municipal Affairs made the unusual move of removing the Mayor from her position as a result, and her nomination for today’s election is considered void. The department says there have been instances in the past when members of councils have been dismissed, but it is not a common practice. Under legislation, if a person is dismissed, they are not eligible to run in an election for two years.