The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is one of 28 regional districts formed by the Province of British Columbia to provide local government services to unincorporated areas. Most of BC’s territory consists of rural areas outside municipal boundaries. Regional districts provide rural residents with an effective form of local government while also representing municipal residents on regional issues. The RDEK functions as a partnership of the municipalities and electoral areas (unincorporated areas) within its boundaries. These local governments work together through the RDEK to provide and coordinate services in both urban and rural areas. Regional districts are governed by the Local Government Act and other provincial legislation. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is governed by a Board consisting of two types of directors. Electoral Area Directors are elected directly by rural area voters and serve three-year terms. Municipal Directors are first elected to a Municipal Council and are then appointed by the Council to the Regional District Board, there are six Electoral Area Directors and nine Municipal Directors representing eight municipalities.