In less than a month, British Columbians will head to the polls for the 2022 municipal election.
General local elections are held every four years on the third Saturday of October and this year’s general voting is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.
How do I vote?
There are three options in this municipal election: you can go in person to the polls on Oct. 15, visit on an advance voting day, or if your electoral area allows it, you can mail in your ballot
To find out if you can vote by mail ballot contact your local government Chief Election Officer.
Who can vote?
You are eligible to vote in the local election as a B.C. resident if you are 18 years of age or older.
You also must be a Canadian citizen and have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before you register to vote.
New to town? Not to worry. You must be a resident of the municipality or electoral area on the day you register to vote.
See the B.C.'s voters guide for more information and special circumstances.
Do I have to register?
Local elections use a list of registered electors for voter registration.
If you didn't make it on that list, you will have to show two pieces of government-issued ID, including one with your signature on it.
What do I need to vote?
On the day of voting, you must provide two separate pieces of identification if your name is not on the voter list in your electoral area.
You must bring one piece with a signature on it such as the BC Services Card and Driver’s license and a piece of identification showing who you are and where you live.
A driver’s license, social insurance card, BCID card, citizenship card, ICBC Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle License will all be accepted.
Early voting?
There will be at least one advance voting opportunity in every jurisdiction 10 days before general voting day.
Many of these areas actually hold more than one day of advance voting. Every municipality or electoral district is required to provide an opportunity to vote in local elections on Oct. 5.
Will all polls be accessible to people with mobility problems?
All jurisdictions are required to make voting places as accessible as reasonably possible.
An election official can bring a ballot to an individual if you find it difficult getting into a building or room where the voting is taking place — a practice known as curbside voting.
Can I vote over the phone or internet?
Voting over the phone or the internet is not an option in British Columbia.
Where can I find information about local candidates?
You can learn more about all of the candidates running across B.C. on the Civic Info BC website. This site also breaks down the candidates by regions.
From Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver, to Northern and Interior B.C., Glacier Media's network of reporters will also provide in-depth coverage of candidates, their platforms and results on Election Day.
Click on the 2022 Civic Elections tab (under the News drop-down menu) for more.
