Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

18 years old or older; and,
A Canadian citizen; and,
A resident of BC for at least 6 months previously, and,
A resident of the area for at least 30 days previously OR an owner of property in the area for at least 30 days previously; and,
Must not be disqualified by law (currently incarcerated or having been convicted of election offenses).

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 resident in more than one area at a time.
A person does not cease to be a resident by leaving for temporary purposes (such as 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 area but instead own property in the 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.

Why do non-resident property electors need to provide a copy of their land title?

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.

If a person owns more than one property, can they vote once for each property?

Is there a corporate vote? (i.e. can someone vote in the name of the business they own or for property owned by a corporation?)

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 $5,000.00 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 $10,000.00 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 RCMP 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.

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.

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.

Am I allowed to assist someone to vote who has a physical disability or other difficulty?

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.