Local Elections FAQs

Voter's Questions - Table of Contents

Candidates Questions - Table of Contents

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Voters

General Voting Day for local government elections in the province of British Columbia is always the third Saturday in November. In 2008, that will be November 15. Voting places are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 

Does Elections BC run general local elections?
No. Each local government (municipality, including island municipalities and the Sechelt Indian Government District, regional district, school district, and the Islands Trust) is responsible for running its own election, and appoints a Chief Election Officer to ensure the process is run in accordance with the local elections bylaws and the Local Government Act, School Act, or Vancouver Charter, as applicable.
 

Elections BC is responsible for running elections and by-elections for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the province of British Columbia in accordance with the Election Act.
 

How many people can I nominate to run in the local election?
A person entitled to make a nomination may subscribe to as many nomination documents as there are persons to be elected to fill the office for which the election is being held.
 

How do I know if I'm eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote in a British Columbia local election as a resident elector if you:

• are a Canadian citizen;
• are 18 years of age or more on general voting day;
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before you register to vote; and
• have lived in the municipality, regional district or school district for 30 days or more before you register to vote; and,
• are not disqualified by the Local Government Act, any other enactment, or the Courts from voting in an local election.

You may be eligible to vote in a British Columbia local election as a non-resident property elector if you:

• are eligible to vote as a resident elector in another municipality, regional district or school district; and,
• own property in the municipality regional district or school district for 30 days or more before you register to vote.

For more information, check the Voter's Guide to Local Elections in BC.
 

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Do I need identification in order to vote?
If you are registering to vote on the day of voting, you must have two pieces of identification (ID). The ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature. If your ID doesn't show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your residence. The voting clerk will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.
 

If you have registered in advance of voting day and appear on the list of registered electors, it is not necessary to produce ID at the time of voting.
 

I am a member of a First Nation, living on reserve. Can I vote in a local government election?
Most likely. Members and non-members of a First Nation that reside on a reserve that meet the requirements of a resident elector, can vote. Where you vote depends on whether the reserve is located within a municipality or a regional district electoral area. Check with your nearest local government office to determine within which boundary your reserve is located.
 

I moved here two weeks before General Voting Day. Can I vote?
No. you must have resided in the local government for 30 days to be eligible to vote.
 

I won't be here on General Voting Day; how can I vote?
Each local government is required to have at least one advance voting opportunity, and many have more than one. Check with your local government to find out when you may vote in advance or if mail ballot voting is available.
 

Can I vote by mail?
Some local governments permit mail ballot voting. Check with your local government to see if this option is available to you.
 

Can I vote through the Internet?
No.
 

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I own a company in the local government, do I get an extra vote?
No. Local government voting rights are granted to citizens, on the basis of residency or property ownership. There is no corporate vote in British Columbia.
 

I am a British subject. Can I vote?
It depends on whether you are also a Canadian citizen; only Canadian citizens can vote.
 

I don't live in the jurisdiction, but I own property. Can I vote?
If you are a resident of British Columbia, own property in the local government and are otherwise qualified, you may be able to vote as a non-resident property elector.
 

If you own the property with other non-resident electors, only one of you can vote. You must have the written consent of the other owners to cast the ballot. If you own property along with a corporatation, then none of the owners of the property are eligible to vote. If you own more than one piece of property in the local government, you may only vote in relation to one.
 

See the Voter's Guide to Local Elections in BC for more information, and contact the local government where your property is located for information about the process of registering and voting as a non-resident property elector.
 

If my local government has a list of registered electors and I'm not on it, can I still register on the day of voting?
Yes, just remember to take two pieces of identification with you if you are a resident voter. The ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature. If your ID doesn't show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your residence. The voting clerk will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.
 

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Am I allowed to look at the list of registered electors?
Yes, if your local government is using a list of registered electors you can go to your local government office and ask to see the list. But first you will have to sign a statement saying that you will not use the information except for the purposes of the election.
 

What can I do if I think someone on the list of registered electors is not eligible to vote?
You may object only if you yourself meet the qualifications to register as an elector. If you want to object to another elector's name on the list of registered electors, your written, signed objection must be filed with the local government before 4 p.m. on the 36th day before voting day. An objection can only be made if the elector has died or if the person on the list is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the local government.
 

The person against whom the objection was made is then notified and given a chance to provide evidence that he or she is in fact an eligible voter.
 

How will I know where to vote?
Your local government is required to post notices of voting places in the local newspaper. Keep your eye on the paper prior to general voting day. You can also check the local government Web page, if there is one, or phone your municipal or regional district office.
 

How should I mark the ballot?
The ballot will contain instructions for marking it. In some cases you must mark it by making a cross in the blank space opposite the name of the candidate or candidates for whom you wish to vote. Some ballots, like those used in conjunction with electronic vote tabulating machines, require a hollow shape to be shaded. Do not add any marks, scribbles, words or comments to the ballot or your ballot will be rejected, which means that your vote will not count.
 

Can I take someone into the voting booth to help me?
Only one person may be in a voting booth at a time, unless the voter is someone who needs assistance, such as a translator or other helper. Or, if you are caring for someone at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you as you are casting your ballot. Check with the presiding election official on the day of voting.
 

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Am I allowed to assist someone who has a physical disability or other difficulty?
Yes, but you must sign a written statement about your assistance, and, if you are not an election official, a solemn declaration will be required. Check with the presiding election official at the time of voting..
 

Can a candidate help me vote if I need assistance?
No. Candidates and their representatives and agents are prohibited from assisting electors.
 

My municipality has neighbourhood constituencies (wards). I live in one ward and have recreational property in another. Can I vote in both?
Yes. Because candidates in neighbourhood constituencies are not elected at large, an elector can vote in the constituency in which he or she lives, as well as vote as a non-resident property elector in a different constituency where he or she owns property.
 

How can I find out if my municipal councillors are elected in neighbourhood constituencies (wards)?

Where can I find information on election results?

Where can I find statistics on voter turnout?

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When was the voting age changed to 18?
In 1993 the voting age was changed to 18, to make it consistent with the voting age for federal and provincial elections.
 

When were three-year terms introduced?
In 1989 the Local Government Act was amended to phase in three-year terms. 1990 was the first year all mayors and councillors were elected at the same time for a three year term.
 

Can I look at a candidate's financial disclosure statements?
Yes. They are available at the local government office, during regular office hours, from the time of filing until 7 years after the election to which they relate.
 

A local government may also make this information available at other locations or by other means. Check with your local government to find out if other options are available for accessing campaign financing disclosure statements.
 

What is an elector organization?
An elector organization is an organization that encourages the election of a particular candidate. If the organization wants to have its name appear on the ballot with the candidate's name, it must have been in existence for 60 days and have had a membership of 50 electors of the local government for that period. Elector organizations are bound by the same campaign fundraising and disclosure rules as candidates, and their campaign financing disclosure statements are available for inspection by the public at the local government office following the election.
 

Further information about elector organizations can be found in the Campaign Organizers Guide to Local Elections in BC (AVAILABLE AUGUST 2008)
 

What is a campaign organizer?
A campaign organizer is a group or individual that encourages the election of a particular candidate or support for a particular elector organization through a series of campaign activities.
 

An individual, other than a candidate, who undertakes an election campaign is a campaign organizer only if he or she accepts financial support for the campaign activities from other people or groups. A group does not need to be incorporated under the Society Act to be a campaign organizer.
 

Campaign organizers are bound by the same campaign fundraising restrictions and disclosure rules as candidates, and their campaign financing disclosure statements are available for inspection by the public at the local government office following the election.
 

Specific information about Campaign Organizers can be found in the Campaign Organizers Guide to Local Elections in BC (AVAILABLE AUGUST 2008)
 

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Candidates

Can I run for office?
If you are qualified to vote in a general local election and if you have not otherwise been disqualified, you are eligible to run for office. In addition, you must:

• be 18 or older;
• be a Canadian citizen; and
• be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months before the election.

There are some people who are specifically disqualified. Check with any of the following for more information:

• your local government;
• section 66 or the Local Government Act; or
• the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (515 KB).

What is an indictable offence?
You need to check with a lawyer since many offences can be either indictable or a summary conviction.
 

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Can I run for councillor in my municipality and for electoral area director in my regional district?
Yes.
 

Can I be both a local government representative (mayor, councillor, electoral area director, islands trustee or school trustee) and an Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Member of Parliament (MP)?
Yes, however there is a considerable amount of time involved in filling any of these offices; you may choose to do just one.
 

Can I be both mayor and councillor in the same local government?
No. You can only hold one office in the same local government.
 

Can I run for office if I work for the local government holding the election?
No, there is a specific restriction against both working for, and holding office in, the same local government. However, if you were to take a leave of absence from your job, you could run in the election. If elected, you would have to resign your job.
 

Can I run for office in a regional district electoral area if I work for a municipality that is a member of the regional district?
Yes, although it might not be wise. If elected you could be vulnerable to allegations of conflict of interest because of your employment. See the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (515 KB).
 

Can I run for office in a municipality if the municipality is a member of the regional district I work for?

Yes, although it might not be wise. If elected you could be vulnerable to allegations of conflict of interest because of your employment. See the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (515 KB).
 

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I work on contract for a local government. Can I run for office in that local government?
It depends on whether you are considered to be an employee of the local government despite your contract. Check with the Chief Election Officer for the local government. You may want to consider whether your contract could expose you to allegations of conflict of interest while serving as an elected representative.
 

Can I run for both councillor or electoral area director, and school board trustee?
Yes, the only restriction is that you cannot run for, or hold, two offices in the same local government. In other words, you can't run for both mayor and councillor.
 

I am a councillor and the Mayor has just resigned. Can I run for the office of Mayor in the upcoming by-election?
You can, if you resign as councillor within 14 days after the day on which the chief election officer is appointed by council.
 

When can I start campaigning?

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Where can I get some information on campaign financing disclosure requirements?
See the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (515 KB). Your local government may have additional information.
 

Is there a limit to what I can spend on my campaign?
No, but you must record and report all contributions and expenses.
 

How many people need to nominate me to run for office?
The minimum number of people is two, but it's wise to have more in case it turns out that one of them is not an eligible nominator. Local governments also have the authority to increase the number of qualified nominators needed to make a nomination for local governments. Any jurisdiction may change the minimum number of nominators from 2 to 10. Jurisdictions with a population of 5,000 or more may change the minimum number of nominators from 2 to 10 or 25.
 

Prospective candidates should check the requirements of the jurisdiction where they are planning to run.
 

Do I have to pay a fee to run for office?
You may have to pay a refundable nomination deposit, depending on the local government in which you want to run. Some local governments require a nomination deposit, to a maximum of $100, which is returned to the candidate after the election. Check with your local government to see whether they require a deposit.
 

Are there any other requirements for me as a candidate?
You must open a separate bank account for all campaign contributions and expenses. You should open that account as soon as you receive your first election contribution, or before you spend any money on your campaign.
 

What if I receive no contributions and spend nothing on my campaign, do I still have to open a separate account?
No, however you must open one or more accounts before incurring a campaign expense or as soon a possible after receiving a campaign contribution.
 

If I don't win the election, do I still have to file disclosure documents?
Yes. This applies not only to candidates but to elector organizations and campaign organizers aw well.
 

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Are there circumstances where a campaign financing disclosure statement does not have to be filed?
A campaign financing disclosure statement is required to be filed even if the candidate receives no campaign contributions, incurs no election expenses, is acclaimed, dies, withdraws from the election, or is declared by a court to no longer be a candidate. However, a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer may apply to the Supreme Court for relief from the obligation to file a campaign financing disclosure statement before the end of the late filing period.
 

Can the public view my campaign financing disclosure statement?
Yes, they are available for public inspection in the local government office during regular office hours until 7 years after the general voting day to which they relate. A local government may also, by bylaw, choose to provide public access to campaign financing disclosure statements in any other way the local government considers appropriate, including by the Internet or other electronic means.
 

Can I, my elector organization, or my campaign organizer have campaign signs at the voting place on voting day?
No, there can be no campaign material (signs, buttons, brochures, etc.) within 100 metres of a voting place or advance voting opportunity.
 

Can I, my elector organization, or my campaign organizer, advertise on the day of the election?
No. There can be no election campaing advertising in newspapers or on radio or television on the day of the election, and there must be no campaign material (signs, buttons, brochures, etc.) within 100 metres of a voting place. If you advertise in a weekly newspaper that is distributed on a Saturday be sure that your ad does not appear on election day.
 

Can I have a Web site for my campaign?
Yes, although it would be wise to restrict access to it on voting day.
 

What if I decide I don't want to run for office after I've put in my nomination papers?
You may withdraw as a candidate until 4 p.m. on the 29th day before voting day. If you want to withdraw after that deadline, the Chief Election Officer must notify the Minister of Community Development, and the Minister will decide whether or not you may withdraw. It should be noted that at the time of filing nomination papers candidates must sign a declaration that they fully intend to accept the office if elected.
 

How does the Financial Disclosure Act relate to candidates?
Each candidate must complete a financial disclosure form in accordance with the Financial Disclosure Act at the time they file their nomination documents. More information is available in a Fact Sheet (37 KB) for candidates, who are required to fill out a Statement of Financial Disclosure (40 KB).
 

That Act is administered by the Attorney General of British Columbia.
 

Once elected, the financial disclosure form must be filed between January 1 and 15 each year an elected official is in office.
 

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What is an elector organization?
An elector organization is an organization that encourages the election of a particular candidate. If the organization wants to have its name appear on the ballot with the candidate's name, it must have been in existence for 60 days and have had a membership of 50 electors of the local government for that period. Elector organizations are bound by the same campaign fundraising and disclosure rules as candidates, and their campaign financing disclosure statements are available for inspection by the public at the local government office following the election.
 

Further information about elector organizations can be found in the Campaign Organizers Guide to Local Elections in BC (AVAILABLE AUGUST 2008)
 

What is a campaign organizer?
A campaign organizer is a group or individual that encourages the election of a particular candidate or support for a particular elector organization through a series of campaign activities.
 

An individual, other than a candidate, who undertakes an election campaign is a campaign organizer only if he or she accepts financial support for the campaign activities from other people or groups. A group does not need to be incorporated under the Society Act to be a campaign organizer.
 

Campaign organizers are bound by the same campaign fundraising restrictions and disclosure rules as candidates, and their campaign financing disclosure statements are available for inspection by the public at the local government office following the election.
 

Specific information about Campaign Organizers can be found in the Campaign Organizers Guide to Local Elections in BC (AVAILABLE AUGUST 2008)
 

I am a federal public servant thinking of being a candidate in a local government election. Do I need permission?
In most federal public service organizations, an employee may seek nomination as, or be, a candidate in a local government election before or during the election period, only if the employee has requested and obtained permission from the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) to do so. This means that as a federal employee you must not be declared a candidate or undertake any candidacy-related activities unless as an employee you have requested and obtained permission from the PSC. The PSC may grant permission, with or without conditions, if it is satisfied that seeking nomination as, or being, a candidate will not impair or be perceived as impairing your ability to perform your duties in a politically impartial manner.
 

For more information, please contact the designated representative for political activities in you organization. A list of the designated representatives for organizations subject to these rules and other information on political activities are available at http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/index-eng.htm under the "Political Activity" section. You can also contact the PSC at 1-866-707-7152, or by email at pa-ap@psc-cfp.gc.cc
 

Please contact the advisory officer responsible for your area if you have questions or comments.