How
do I register to vote?
You may register before the local election at your municipal
or regional district office, or you may register at the voting
place. Some communities may choose to register all voters
on the day they vote. Please check with your municipality
or regional district for registration procedures in your area.
Do
non-resident property owners register the same way?
Non-resident property owners may also register in advance
or at the voting place. However, if you choose to register
at the time you vote, you must be sure to obtain a Non-Resident
Property Elector Certificate. To obtain this certificate,
you must produce proof that you are the registered owner of
the property. If you are one of two or more owners, you must
also demonstrate -- in writing -- that you have the consent
of the majority of all owners to vote as the non-resident
property elector.
Check
with the municipality or regional district in the area where
you own the property for more detailed explanation of registration
procedures.
When
are local elections held?
Local elections are held every three years. General voting
day is always the third Saturday in November. Additional elections
-- known as by-elections -- may be called at other times to
fill vacancies.
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
