Election officials are working to address an instruction error discovered on ballots used during Campbell River’s first advance-voting opportunity last Wednesday.

The mistake affected the School District 72 trustee portion of ballots provided at the City’s October 7 advance poll.

Officials say the error was discovered after voting was underway.

Election workers then began verbally advising voters to select no more than five school-trustee candidates.

Some ballots completed before the mistake was identified could be ruled invalid for the trustee election and, if so, would not be included in those results.

Votes cast for Campbell River mayor and council are not affected.

The error also has no impact on votes concerning the Strathcona Regional District assent question.

Trustee ballots cast during advance voting at other locations are also unaffected.

Campbell River residents completing mail ballots are being reminded to select no more than five school-trustee candidates.

Election officials have asked the provincial government to issue a ministerial order addressing the affected ballots.

A second Campbell River advance poll will be held Wednesday, October 14, at the Sportsplex, with voting available from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.