Can
I vote before general voting day?
In every community, one advance voting day will be held on the
Wednesday 10 days before general voting day, from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
Many communities
will also offer a second advance voting day on a date determined
by the individual municipality, regional district or school district.
Check with your local government to find out if and when a second
advance voting day will be held in your area.
What
if I need assistance to vote?
All local governments are required to make voting places as accessible
as possible to people with disabilities or impaired mobility.
If you find
it difficult to get into a voting place, but can make it to the
parking lot or the curb outside, you may request an election official
to bring you a ballot. This is called curbside voting.
If you are unable to mark your own ballot, you may ask an election
official, friend or relative to help you.
If you need
a translator, you may bring someone to assist you.
Local governments may also choose to use mail ballots for people
who are unable to reach the voting place due to the illness, injury
or physical disability.
Check with your local government to find out if mail ballots are
offered in your area.
What
are the penalties for not following elections laws?
Anyone who commits an election offence, such as double voting
or signing a false statement, is liable to a fine up to $5,000
and/or up to one year in prison. He or she may also be prohibited
from holding office and/or voting in local government elections
for up to six years.
Anyone convicted of a more serious election offence, such as vote
buying or intimidation, could be subject to a fine of up to $10,
000 and up to two years in prison.
Do
I need identification?
Yes. You will need two pieces that prove who you are and where
you live. One of them must have your signature on it.
Check with your local government office to see what they require.
How
can I get more information about voting in local elections in
BC?
For specific questions on voting where you live or own property,
please call or write your municipality or regional district. Address
and phone numbers are listed in the blue pages of your local phone
book.
For
questions on voting for school board trustees, please call or
write your school district or:
Ministry of
Education
Governance and Legislation
PO Box 9146 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9H1
Phone (250) 356-1404
For
questions on municipal, regional district or Islands Trust elections
please call or write:
The Ministry
of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services
Local Government Department
PO Box 9490 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9N7
Phone (250) 387- 4020
