Q&A

There are two categories of electors for voting in local government elections: Resident Electors (you live in the community) and Non-Resident Property Electors (you own property in the community but live elsewhere).

The RDOS does not require registration with the Provincial Voters List. All electors must register at the time of voting.

You are qualified to register as a Resident Elector if you:

• are 18 years or older
• are a Canadian citizen
• have resided in British Columbia for six months
• are a resident of the Electoral Area

You are qualified to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector if you:

• are 18 years or older
• are a Canadian citizen
• have resided in British Columbia for six months prior to voting day
• have owned and held registered title to property within the boundaries of the local community for 30 days prior to voting day
• do not qualify as a resident elector
  
  

A Non-Resident Property Elector may register in relation to one piece of property only and must complete the Non-Resident Property Elector declaration. If more than one person owns the property, only one owner may register and that person must have the written consent of a majority of the other owners (original signatures only). No corporation is entitled to vote.

Non-Resident Property Elector Application Form
Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form

See the Non-Resident Property Elector FAQ for more information.

When registering, you must provide two documents proving your identity and residence. One of the documents must have your signature.

The following are examples of valid identity documents:

• BC driver’s licence
• BC ID card
• Photo or non-photo BC Services Card / Care Card
• Status Card issued by Indigenous Services Canada
• Request for Continued Assistance form SDES8
• Social Insurance Card (Canada)
• Citizenship Card (Canada)\Real property tax notice
• Credit card or debit card issued by a savings institution
• Utility bill
• Car insurance papers
• Property tax notice
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Firearms license
• Nexus card

A combined British Columbia Driver’s Licence and Services Card is considered one document. A second document is still required.

Yes. Eligible Indigenous and non-Indigenous electors living on Reserve are entitled to vote in local government elections. Where you vote will depend on whether the lands you live upon are included within a municipal or electoral area boundary. Please see the Voters Guide for Electors Living on Reserve to determine where you can vote.

No. You must be a Canadian citizen to vote.

You may not vote in a British Columbia local government election if you have been convicted of an indictable offence and are in custody or have been found guilty of an election offence.

If you are able to make it to the voting place, but are unable to go inside the building, you may request Curbside Voting – whereby an election official will bring a ballot to your vehicle.

If you are unable to mark your own ballot, you may ask for help from an Election Official, friend or relative. A declaration for a Person Assisting an Elector to Mark a Ballot will be required for this.

If you require a translator to interpret for you, a declaration for a Translator may be requested.