Elections

In accordance with Provincial legislation, if a person is already registered on the voters list, there is no ID requirement at the time of voting, although a solemn verbal declaration will have to be made by the elector prior to receiving a ballot, to ensure that they are the person named on the voters list. Although it is not required to vote, staff may ask if you have ID in an effort to help speed up the process during the ballot assignment. If a person is not already registered on the voters list, and they are eligible to vote, the following ID requirements must be met when registering at the time of voting:

• At least two ID documents must be shown that provide evidence of the person’s identity and place of residence, at least one of which must contain the person’s signature.

OR

• At least two ID documents must be shown that provide evidence of the person’s identity, at least one of which must contain the person’s signature, and make a solemn declaration as to the person’s place of residence.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• BC Driver’s License
• BC ID Card
• BC Care Card or BC Gold Care Card
• Social Insurance Card
• Certificate of Vehicle Insurance (ICBC)
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Credit Cards or Debit Cards
• Property Tax Notice
• Utility Bill
• Form SDES8 from the Ministry of Social Development

• A person is a resident of the municipality or Electoral Area where the person lives. To answer the question, “Where do I live?” refer first to the address given on the driver’s license and on Income Tax statements. It is also the place where one would register minor children for school.
• A person may not be a resident of more than one municipality at a time.
• A person does not cease to be a resident by leaving for temporary purposes (ie. Vacation, school).
• A resident does not have to own property. A resident may be a renter.

A person is a non-resident property elector if they do not live in the municipality or Electoral Area but instead own property in the municipality or Electoral Area.

Only one of the owners may vote on behalf of the property as a Non-resident property elector. If the property is owned by more than one person, the majority of owners have to decide which of them will be voting on behalf of the property and complete the Consent form.

The land title proves both ownership and identifies how many people are on title. If there are more than one person on title, a written consent is required to designate one of the owners as the voter.

No, you must be a Canadian Citizen to vote.

Yes, if the requirements of a resident or non-resident elector are met.

No.

No. No person may vote more than one time in any election.

No. Only people can vote.

• Anyone who commits an election offence, such as voting more than once or signing a false statement, is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.
• 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 two years in prison.
• They may also be prohibited from holding office and voting in local government elections for up to six years.

• The police are responsible for investigating alleged election offences, and the Courts are responsible for adjudicating allegations, making decisions and imposing penalties.
• 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.

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.

• Yes. If you need assistance, an election official may assist you to vote. If you are caring for someone (eg. 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.
• 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.

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.