Independent candidate Andy Clarey drops out of P.E.I. election; ballots already printed

Andy Clarey, independent candidate for District 4 Belfast-Murray River, has withdrawn his candidacy in the upcoming election.

Clarey has run in several elections since 2000, initially as a Liberal, but more recently as an independent.

Dropping out so close to the April 23 election means ballots have already been printed and people may still vote for Clarey, said Tim Garrity, chief electoral officer at Elections P.E.I.

“If someone votes for the candidate it’s considered a spoiled ballot.”

There will be signs posted at voting stations and workers at the polls will be made aware, but Garrity says there’s little else to be done.

Clarey could not be reached for comment and has not publicly released his reason for dropping out.