City of Castlegar Prepares for 2026 General Local Election
The City of Castlegar is preparing for the 2026 General Local Election and encourages residents, voters, and prospective candidates to learn about the election process and important upcoming deadlines.
Municipal elections are held every four years in British Columbia, allowing eligible voters to elect members of City Council and School Trustees. The 2026 General Local Election for the City of Castlegar and School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) Trustee Electoral Area 2 will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
As election day approaches, the City is committed to providing residents with timely, accurate information about voter eligibility, nomination requirements, voting opportunities, and election procedures to help ensure a fair, transparent, and accessible election. Eligible voters include City of Castlegar residents, SD 20 Electoral Area 2 residents and qualified non-resident property electors who meet provincial local election requirements.
“With several important deadlines approaching throughout the election period, we want to make it as easy as possible for residents to stay informed,” says Nicole Brown, Chief Election Officer. “Whether you’re considering running for office, applying for a mail ballot, or preparing to vote, reviewing the election timeline now will help ensure you don’t miss important dates and deadlines.”
2026 General Local Election Key Dates
- August 6, 2026 – Nomination and endorsement packages available at City Hall and castlegar.ca/election
- August 10, 2026 – Applications for mail ballot voting available at City Hall and castlegar.ca/election
- September 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. – Nomination period opens
- September 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. – Nomination period closes
- September 18, 2026 – Deadline to challenge nominations or elector organization endorsements
- September 18, 2026 – Last day for candidates to withdraw
- September 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to apply for a mail ballot
- October 7, 2026 – Advanced voting opportunity (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- October 14, 2026 – Advanced voting opportunity (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- October 17, 2026 – General Voting Day (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- October 17, 2026 – Mail ballot voting deadline at 8 p.m.
Mail Ballot Voting
Qualified electors wishing to vote by mail must complete and submit a mail ballot application to the Chief Election Officer. Applications are available at City Hall and online at castlegar.ca/election beginning August 10, 2026. Completed applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2026.
Candidate Readiness Workshop
Residents considering a run for local office are encouraged to attend the free Candidate Readiness Workshop on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Castlegar & District Community Complex or online. This workshop offers practical information about the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, the nomination process, and what to expect during an election campaign.
Find all election information at castlegar.ca/election.
For election-related inquiries, contact:
Nicole Brown
Chief Election Officer
250-365-8953
nbrown@castlegar.ca
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