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General Election Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
The information provided below is intended to address questions commonly raised by candidates, election officials and the general public in previous general local elections.
Contact the advisory officer assigned to your local government for further information, or to find the answer to a question not listed below. Additional information and assistance on election-related matters is also available from the:
Other Resources
For a complete list of available election resources, please visit http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/elections_home.htm.
Disclaimer
Voter Questions - Table of Contents
Who runs local elections?
Each local government (municipality, regional district, school district, and the Islands Trust) is responsible for running its own elections. Each elected body appoints a Chief Election Officer to ensure the process is run in accordance with the local election bylaws and the Local Government Act, School Act, or Vancouver Charter, as applicable. Many school district elections are also conducted by municipalities and regional districts on behalf of the school district during the general local election.
What is the role of Elections BC?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. Elections BC also oversees recall initiatives and provincial referenda. Elections BC has no involvement in the conduct of general local elections.
What is the Chief Election Officer's role?The Chief Election Officer is responsible for conducting the general local election in accordance with the Local Government Act, School Act, or Vancouver Charter and local election bylaws. The Chief Election Officer is not responsible for the conduct of candidates and does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties.
Who enforces general local election rules?The police are responsible for investigating alleged election offences, and the Courts are responsible for adjudicating allegations, making decisions and imposing penalties.
Who can I ask if I have questions about the election process? The Chief Election Officer has limited authority to enforce election rules, such as the authority to challenge the nomination of a candidate or the eligibility of an elector in the Courts, and to maintain order at voting places. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties. If you have questions about the election process, contact your local government first. Local election officials will be the most familiar with the specific circumstances in your local election. If you need additional assistance, contact the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Advisory Services Branch, at 250 387-4020.
Are municipal councillors elected in neighbourhood constituencies (wards)?It is up to an individual council to determine whether elections take place “at large” or by “neighbourhood constituencies”. The District of Lake Country is the only municipality in the province that has neighbourhood constituencies.
What is a campaign organizer?Campaign organizers can promote or oppose candidates or points of view during local elections. They may be as small as one or two individuals in a single community or as large as provincial or national organizations that are seeking to elect candidates in several jurisdictions. Campaign organizers do not have to register as a company or society. However, they do have to supply contact information to the Chief Election Officer as soon as reasonably possible after they have received or spent more than $500.
What is an elector organization?Unlike elector organizations, campaign organizers cannot endorse a candidate on the ballot. Campaign organizers can operate election campaigns for one or more candidates or elector organizations, or both. However, campaign organizers do not require consent from a candidate or elector organization when undertaking an election campaign on their behalf. Campaign financing rules apply to campaign organizers, and each must appoint a financial agent who is responsible for ensuring compliance with these rules. However, a campaign organizer is only required to submit a campaign financing disclosure statement if they spend over $500 in election expenses or receive over $500 in campaign contributions. For more information about campaign organizers, see the Campaign Organizer and Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.1 MB) Elector organizations are formed for the purposes of directly promoting a candidate or a point of view in a general local election. Elector organizations are occasionally referred to as “civic political parties”.
How do I know if I am eligible to vote?The name, abbreviation or acronym of the elector organization may appear on the ballot beside the names of candidates that the elector organization has endorsed. In order for the endorsement to appear on the ballot, an elector organization must have at least 50 members who are qualified to vote in the relevant local government election, and who have been members for at least 60 days prior to the endorsement of a candidate. Elector organizations do not have to be incorporated as a company or a society. Campaign financing rules apply to elector organizations, and all elector organizations must appoint a financial agent who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation. Further information about elector organizations can be found in the Campaign Organizer and Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.1 MB). You are eligible to vote in a local election as a resident elector if you:
I am a member of a First Nation, living on reserve. Can I vote in a local government election?
You are eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector if you:
If you own two pieces of property in the jurisdiction in which you intend to vote, you may vote only once. If, however, you own one piece of property in one jurisdiction and a second piece of property in another, you may vote in both jurisdictions. Yes. Eligible electors living on reserve can vote in local government elections. Where you vote depends on whether the reserve is located within a municipal boundary or a regional district electoral area. Contact your nearest local government office to determine within which boundary the reserve is located and where you may vote.
I moved to this local government jurisdiction two weeks before general voting day. Can I vote?No. You must have resided in the local government jurisdiction for at least 30 days prior to voting to be eligible to vote in the election as a resident elector.
Do I need identification in order to vote?Yes. If you are registering on voting day (known as same day registration), you must have two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live. One piece of identification must have your signature on it. If your identification does not show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your place of residence. The voting clerk at the voting place will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.
I live in one local government jurisdiction, and I own property in another – can I vote in both jurisdictions?
If you are registering as a non-resident property elector, you must also provide the address or legal description and the title (or other proof of ownership) of the property you own. 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 on behalf of them in the election. If you have registered in advance of voting day and your name appears on the voters list, it is not necessary to show identification at the time of voting. Contact your local government office for more information about what they require for identification. Yes. You may vote in the jurisdiction where you live if you qualify as a resident elector. You may be able to vote as a non-resident property elector in another jurisdiction if you own property and are otherwise qualified to vote.
I own a company – do I get an extra vote in a general local election?No. There is no corporate or business vote in local government elections. Voting rights are granted to citizens on the basis of residency or property ownership. This means that you cannot vote on behalf of a corporation, and you cannot vote as a non-resident property elector on behalf of a property owned wholly or partially by a corporation.
How many people can I nominate as candidates in the general local election?You must be eligible to vote as a resident elector or a non-resident property elector in the general local election in order to be eligible to nominate candidates. Where you are eligible to do so, you may nominate as many people as there are positions for office.
Can I look at a candidate's campaign financing disclosure statements?Yes. They are available at the local government office,
during regular office hours, from the time they were filed until seven
years after the election to which they relate. The deadline for filing
campaign financing disclosure statements is March 19, 2012. A local
government may also make this information available at other locations
or by other means - such as on the Internet. Contact your local
government to find out how to view campaign financing disclosure
statements.
Can I look at a candidate's nomination documents?Yes. You may view a candidate’s nomination documents from the time they were submitted to the local government until 30 days following general voting day (December 20, 2011). A local government may also make nomination documents available at other locations or by other means – such as on the Internet. Contact your local government to find out how to view nomination documents.
Am I allowed to look at the voters list? Yes. If your local government is using a voters list you are entitled to view the list at the local government office between October 4, 2011 and November 19, 2011. You will have to sign a statement saying that you will not inspect or use the information on the voters list except for the purposes of the election. You are only entitled to receive a copy of the voters list if you are a candidate in a general local election.
What can I do if I think someone on the voters list is not eligible to vote?You may only object to a person’s name appearing on the voters list if you yourself meet the qualifications to register as an elector, and you may only object if the person has died or is not qualified to be registered to vote. To make an objection, you must submit a written, signed objection to the local government Chief Election Officer before 4 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011.
Can I ask that my personal information be removed from the voters list?The person against whom the objection was made will be notified (if possible) and given a chance to provide evidence that he or she is in fact an eligible voter and entitled to be on the voters list. Yes. You can request that your name, address, or any other information be removed or obscured from the voters list that is available for public inspection and for use by candidates. Your name will still appear on the voters list used at all voting opportunities. To request that your name, address or any other information be removed or obscured from the voters list, contact the Chief Election Officer for your local government.
How do I register to vote?Provincial Voters List: some local governments use the B.C. provincial voters list from the most recent provincial election. If the local government used the provincial voters list and your name appears on it, you are already registered to vote in a general local election. You will not be required to show identification in order to receive a ballot in a general local election if your name appears on the provincial
being used by the jurisdiction in which you are voting.
Can I register to vote on voting day?Voters List: some local governments offer advance voter registration if they are using their own voters list – contact your local government to find out if this option is available and how to register. If advance registration is available, you can register with your local government until September 27, 2011. Same Day Registration: you can also register to vote at a voting place. You will need to bring identification that proves your identity and where you live, and one piece of identification that includes your signature. If you are registering as a non-resident property elector, you must also provide the address or legal description and the title (or other proof of ownership) of the property you are registering to vote in relation to. If you own the property with other people, you will need their written consent to vote on behalf of them. Yes. You will be required to provide two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live. One of them must have your signature on it. If your identification does not show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your place of residence. The voting clerk at the voting place will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.
I won't be here on general voting day – how can I vote?If you are registering as a non-resident property elector, you must also provide the address or legal description and the title (or other proof of ownership) of the property you own. 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 on behalf of them in the election. Contact your local government for more information about what they require for identification. Every local government is required to have at least one advance voting opportunity on the Wednesday ten days before general voting day. That date is November 9 in the 2011 election. Many local governments have more than one advance voting opportunity. Contact your local government to find out when you may vote in advance of general voting day or if mail-in ballot voting is an option.
Can I vote by mail?Some local governments allow for mail-in ballot voting, if you cannot physically attend a voting place or will be out of town on advance and general voting days. Contact your local government to see if this option is available to you.
Can I vote through the Internet?No. The legislation does not currently allow for voting through the Internet.
Can I vote by telephone?No. The legislation does not currently allow for voting by telephone.
How will I know where to vote?Your local government is required to publish notices of voting places in the local newspaper. You can also visit the local government website, if there is one, or contact your municipal, regional district, school board or Islands Trust office.
How should I mark the ballot?There will be instructions at the voting place explaining how to mark the ballot.
Can I have a translator help me vote?Yes. The person translating for you must sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.
Can I take someone into the voting booth to help me? Yes. If you need assistance, an election official may assist you to vote. If you are caring for someone (e.g. a child or elderly relative) at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you.
Am I allowed to assist someone to vote who has a physical disability or other difficulty? Anyone providing assistance to another elector is required to sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information. Yes. You must sign a written statement and also sign a solemn declaration in order to assist someone to vote. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.
Are municipal councillors elected in neighbourhood constituencies (wards)?It is up to an individual council to determine whether elections take place “at large” or by “neighbourhood constituencies”. The District of Lake Country is the only municipality in the province that has neighbourhood constituencies.
What can I do if I believe someone has committed an election offence?If you believe someone has committed an election offence, contact your local police. The police are responsible for conducting an investigation and recommending to Crown counsel whether charges should be laid. Election offences are prosecuted through the judicial system. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences.
Where can I find information on election results and statistics on voter turnout?Contact your local government or school district for election results. Election results are available from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and CivicInfoBC.
There is no legislative requirement that voter turnout information be captured by local governments in a general local election. However, some local governments maintain their own statistics on voter turnout. Statistics on voter turnout will only be available for local governments that use a voters list.
Candidate Questions - Table of Contents
What is the Chief Election Officer’s role? The Chief Election Officer is responsible for conducting the general local election in accordance with the Local Government Act, School Act, or Vancouver Charter and local election bylaws. The Chief Election Officer is not responsible for the conduct of candidates and does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties.
Who enforces general local election rules? The police are responsible for investigating alleged election offences, and the Courts are responsible for adjudicating allegations, making decisions and imposing penalties.
What is a campaign organizer?The Chief Election Officer has limited authority to enforce election rules, such as the authority to challenge the nomination of a candidate or eligibility of an elector in the Courts, and to maintain order at voting places. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties. Campaign organizers can promote or oppose candidates or points of view during local elections. They may be as small as one or two individuals in a single community or as large as provincial or national organizations that are seeking to elect candidates in several jurisdictions. Campaign organizers do not have to register as a company or society. However, they do have to supply contact information to the Chief Election Officer as soon as reasonably possible after they have received or spent more than $500.
What is an elector organization?Unlike elector organizations, campaign organizers cannot endorse a candidate on the ballot. Campaign organizers can operate election campaigns for one or more candidates or elector organizations, or both. However, campaign organizers do not require consent from a candidate or elector organization when undertaking an election campaign on their behalf. Campaign financing rules apply to campaign organizers, and each must appoint a financial agent who is responsible for ensuring compliance with these rules. However, a campaign organizer is only required to submit a campaign financing disclosure statement if they spend over $500 in election expenses or receive over $500 in campaign contributions. For more information about campaign organizers, see the Campaign Organizer and Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.1 MB). Elector organizations are formed for the purposes of directly promoting a candidate or a point of view in a general local election. Elector organizations are occasionally referred to as civic political parties, because they share some of the characteristics of provincial or federal political parties.
Who can I ask if I have questions about the election process?The name, abbreviation or acronym of the elector organization may appear on the ballot beside the names of candidates that the organization has endorsed. In order for the endorsement to appear on the ballot, an elector organization must have at least 50 members who are qualified to vote in the relevant local government election, and who have been members for at least 60 days prior to the endorsement of a candidate. Elector organizations do not have to be incorporated as a company or a society. Campaign financing rules apply to elector organizations, and all elector organizations must appoint a financial agent who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation. Further information about elector organizations can be found in the Campaign Organizer and Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.1 MB. If you have questions about the election process, contact your local government first - local election officials will be the most familiar with the specific circumstances in your local election. If you need additional assistance, contact the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Advisory Services Branch, at 250 387-4020.
Can I be a candidate for office?In order to be eligible to be a candidate for office you must:
You do not have to live or own property in the jurisdiction in which you are running for office. People who are specifically disqualified from being a candidate for office are those who:
Contact your local government for further information about your eligibility to be a candidate or review section 66 of the Local Government Act; or the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 515 KB). Does my employment affect my eligibility to be a candidate in a general local election? I am a federal public servant considering being a candidate for local office – do I need permission? Yes. In most federal public service organizations, you may seek nomination as, or be, a candidate in a local government election before or during the election period, only if you have requested and obtained permission from the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) to do so.
How many people need to nominate me to be a candidate? As a federal employee you must not be declared a candidate or undertake any candidacy-related activities unless first obtaining 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 job-related duties in a politically impartial manner. For more information, contact the designated representative for political activities in your 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. You must have a minimum of two eligible nominators in order to be a candidate. Local governments have the authority to increase the minimum number of nominators from two to 10. Jurisdictions with a population of 5,000 or more may change the minimum number of nominators from two to 10 or 25. Contact the local government where you intend to be a candidate to determine the number of required nominators.
Do I have to pay a fee to be a candidate? You may have to pay a refundable nomination deposit, depending on the local government or school district in which you want to be a candidate. Some local governments and school districts require a nomination deposit – to a maximum of $100 – which is returned after you file your campaign finance disclosure statements following the election. Contact your local government or school district to see whether or not they require a deposit.
What if I decide I don't want to be a candidate after I've put in my nomination papers? At the time of filing nomination papers you were required to sign a declaration that you fully intend to accept the office if elected. However, if your circumstances change and you no longer wish be a candidate, you may withdraw your candidacy until 4 p.m. on October 21, 2011, by notifying the Chief Election Officer in writing.
When can I start campaigning? If you decide to withdraw after the October 21, 2011 deadline, the Chief Election Officer must notify the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and the Minister will determine whether or not you may withdraw from the election. You can start campaigning whenever you like. However, there are campaign financing requirements you should be aware of. See the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.2 MB) and the Campaign Financing Standard Forms Booklet (PDF, 1.2 MB) further information.
Is there a limit to what I can spend on my campaign or how much I can accept in contributions?No. However you or your financial agent must record and report all contributions and expenses. Campaign contributions and expenses must be disclosed in your campaign financing disclosure statement and filed with your local government by March 19, 2012.
Do I need to record my contributions and expenses? Yes. You or your financial agent must record information about all campaign contributions you receive and all election expenses you incur related to your campaign, including contributions or expenses that occur after the election.
Are there rules about signs and advertising in local elections?You must also open a separate campaign bank account as soon as you receive your first campaign contribution - even if it is from your personal funds - or prior to incurring your first election expense. Recording contributions and expenses is a vital step that ensures you have accurate records on which to base your campaign financing disclosure statement. For more information about recording and disclosing contributions and expenses, see the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.2 MB). Yes. There is a prohibition against advertising on TV, the radio or in newspapers or magazines on voting day. There is also a prohibition against placing campaign signs or materials within 100 metres of any voting place. This includes buttons worn by supporters, bumper stickers, pamphlets, posters, or any other material that advocates for or against a particular candidate or candidates. Election officials have authority to remove any signs or campaign materials found within 100 metres of a voting place on a voting day.
Do I have to include sponsorship information in advertisements?Most local governments have sign bylaws that govern the placement of signs, including election signs, within their jurisdiction. Contact your local government for more information. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has authority over provincial roads and highways, and may have rules regarding the placement of signs adjacent to these roads and highways. No. You do not have to include sponsorship information in your advertisements – although it is a good practice.
Can I set up and use a web site as part of my election campaign? Yes. Any expenses related to setting up and operating a web site must be recorded and disclosed as part of your campaign financing disclosure statement. Be mindful of restrictions against advertising on general voting day.
Is it ok to use YouTube, Twitter and Facebook as part of my election advertising campaign?Yes. Any expenses related to setting up and operating a social media campaign must be recorded and disclosed as part of your campaign financing disclosure statement. Be mindful of restrictions against advertising on general voting day.
Can I advertise on voting day?No. There can be no election campaign advertising in newspapers or on radio or television on general voting day. If you advertise in a weekly newspaper that is distributed on a Saturday, be sure that your ad does not appear on general voting day.
Are campaign signs allowed at the voting places?No. There can be no campaign material (signs, buttons, brochures, etc.) within 100 metres of a voting place on voting days.
Where can I get information about campaign financing? See the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.2 MB) or the Campaign Organizer and Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.2 MB) or the Campaign Financing Standard Forms Booklet (PDF, 1.2). You can also consult the Local Government Act, or talk to an accountant.
Do I need to open a separate bank account?If you receive any campaign contributions - even if they are from your own personal funds - or incur any election expenses, you or your financial agent are required to open a separate campaign bank account.
What are campaign financing disclosure statements?If you receive no contributions and spend nothing on your campaign, you do not have to open a separate bank account. Campaign financing disclosure statements outline all election expenses and campaign contributions, including the sources of campaign contributions that are incurred during or after an election campaign. Each candidate and elector organization must file a campaign financing disclosure statement by March 19, 2012. Each campaign organizer that spends over $500 in election expenses or received over $500 in campaign contributions must also file a campaign financing disclosure statement by March 19, 2012.
When do I have to file my campaign financing disclosure statement by?Campaign financing disclosure statements must be submitted to the local government within 120 days of general voting day. The filing deadline is March 19, 2012 for the November 19, 2011 election.
What if I find a mistake in my campaign financing disclosure statement?There is a 30-day grace period, until April 18, 2012 during which you can file your campaign financing disclosure statement; however, you will be required to pay a $500 late filing fee to the local government. If you do not file your campaign financing disclosure statement by April 18, 2012, and have not sought Court relief from your obligation to file, you will be disqualified from holding or being a candidate until after the next general local election. If you find a mistake in your campaign financing disclosure statement, you must file a supplementary disclosure statement with the local government. You have 30 days from the time you or your financial agent finds the mistake to file a supplementary disclosure statement. The supplementary disclosure statement must be accompanied by a solemn declaration that, to the best of your knowledge, the statement completely and accurately discloses the required information and that all other campaign financing provisions have been met.
If I don't get elected, do I still have to file a campaign financing disclosure statement? Be aware that filing a supplementary disclosure statement does not protect you, campaign organizers, , or their financial agents from prosecution for intentionally falsifying information in the original campaign financing disclosure statement. You must completely and accurately disclose campaign financing information, to the best of your knowledge, in your initial campaign financing disclosure statement. Yes. Every candidate and elector organization is required to file a campaign financing disclosure statement regardless of the outcome of the election.
Are there circumstances when a campaign financing disclosure statement does not have to be filed?Every campaign organizer that receives over $500 in campaign contributions or incurs over $500 in election expenses is also required to file a campaign financing disclosure statement regardless of the outcome of the election. Yes. A candidate, campaign organizer or elector organization 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. For the 2011 general local election, that date is April 18, 2012.
Can the public view my campaign financing disclosure statement? A campaign financing disclosure statement must be filed by March 19, 2012, even if a candidate received no campaign contributions, incurred no election expenses, was acclaimed, died, withdrew from the election, or was declared by a Court to no longer be a candidate unless relief is granted by the Courts. Yes. Your campaign financing disclosure statements are available for public inspection in the local government office during regular office hours from the time they are filed until seven years after the election to which they relate.
How does the Financial Disclosure Act relate to me as a candidate? A local government may also choose to provide public access to campaign financing disclosure statements in any other way the local government considers appropriate – including on the Internet and/or by other electronic means. As a candidate you must complete a financial disclosure form in accordance with the Financial Disclosure Act at the time you file your nomination documents. If you are elected, you will also have to file annual disclosure statements between January 1 and 15 each year as well as when you leave your elected office.
Are there any other requirements of me as a candidate?The Financial Disclosure Act statements are different from the campaign financing disclosure statements, which you are required to file following a general local election. The Financial Disclosure Act is administered by the Attorney General of British Columbia. Further information about financial disclosure is available in a Fact Sheet (PDF, 37 KB) prepared by the Ministry of Attorney General, along with the required Statement of Financial Disclosure (PDF, 40 KB) form. Yes. Candidates have numerous responsibilities related to recording and disclosing contributions and expenses, advertising, election campaigns, election offences, and campaign financing. For more information, see the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC (PDF, 1.2 MB).
What can I do if I believe someone has committed an election offence?If you believe someone has committed an election offence, contact your local police. The police are responsible for conducting an investigation and recommending to Crown counsel whether charges should be laid. Election offences are prosecuted through the judicial system. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences.
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