Voter Information - Frequently Asked Questions

Pursuant to Section 56(4) of the Local Government Act, the opportunity for advance elector registration closed on September 27, 2011. 
If you have not yet registered, please contact election officials at Bowen Island Municipality directly at bim@bimbc.ca or (604) 947-4255 for assistance.

When is General Voting Day?
General Voting Day for local government elections in the province of British Columbia is always the third Saturday in November. In 2011, that will be November 19. Voting places are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Does Elections British Columbia run general local elections?
No. Each local government is responsible for running its own election, and appoints a Chief Election Officer to ensure the process is run according to the Local Government Act.

Elections British Columbia is responsible for running elections and by-elections for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the province of British Columbia.

How do I know if I'm eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote in a British Columbia local election as a resident elector if you:

• are a Canadian citizen;
• are 18 years of age or more on general voting day;
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before you register to vote; and
• haved lived in the municipality, regional district or school district for 30 days or more before you register to vote.

You may be eligible to vote in a British Columbia local election as a non-resident property elector if you:

• are a Canadian citizen;
• are 18 years of age or more on general voting day;
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before you register to vote; and
• are not otherwise disqualified from voting in an election.

For more information, check the Voter's Guide.

Do I need identification in order to vote?
If you are registering to vote on the day of voting, you must have two pieces of identification (ID).  The ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature. If your ID doesn't show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your residence. The voting clerk will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.

Do I get time off work to vote in a local government election?
No. Voting places are generally open from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 at night to provide time to vote. In addition, the law requires that local governments provide one or more advance voting opportunities so that people who are unable to vote on general voting day have a chance to vote.

I moved here two weeks before General Voting Day. Can I vote?
No; you must have resided in the local government for 30 days to be eligible to vote.

I won't be here on General Voting Day; how can I vote?
Bowen Island Municipality has an advance voting opportunity on November 9, 2011, and will be implementing mail ballot voting for 2011.

Can I vote through the Internet?
No.

I own a company in Bowen Island Municipality, do I get an extra vote?
No; there is no corporate vote in British Columbia.

I am a British subject. Can I vote?
No; only Canadian citizens can vote.

I don't live in the jurisdiction, but I own property within the jurisdiction. Can I vote?
If you are a resident of British Columbia, own property in the local government and are otherwise qualified, you may be able to vote as a non-resident property elector.  If you own the property with other non-resident electors, only one of you can vote. You must have the written consent of the other owners to cast the ballot. Even if you own more than one piece of property in the local government, you may only vote in relation to one.

For more information, see Non-Resident Property Electors FAQ's or the Voter's Guide, or contact Bowen Island Municipality to find about the process of registering and voting as a non-resident property elector.

How will I know where to vote?
Bowen Island Municipality will be posting notices of voting places on the municipal website (www.bimbc.ca) and in the local newspaper; visit the BIM website or keep your eye on the paper prior to general voting day. You can also check the local government web page or phone Bowen Island Municipality.

How should I mark the ballot?
You must mark it by making a cross or check mark in the blank space opposite the name of the candidate or candidates for whom you wish to vote. Do not add any marks, scribbles, words or comments to the ballot or your ballot will be rejected, which means that your vote will not count.

Can I take someone into the voting booth to help me?
The law says that only one person may be in a voting booth at a time, unless the voter is someone who needs assistance, such as a translator or other helper. Or, if you are caring for someone at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you as you are casting your ballot. Check with the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer on the day of voting.

Am I allowed to assist someone who has a physical disability or other difficulty?
Yes, but you must sign a written statement about your assistance, and, if you are not an election official, a solemn declaration will be required. Check with the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer at the time of voting.

Can a candidate help me vote if I need assistance?
No; candidates and their representatives and agents are prohibited from assisting electors.

Where can I find information on election results?
Contact Bowen Island Municipality. Preliminary Election results will be posted on this website the evening of the election.

When was the voting age changed to 18?
In 1993 the voting age was changed to 18, to make it consistent with the voting age for federal and provincial elections.

When were three-year terms introduced?
In 1989 the Local Government Act was amended to phase in three-year terms. 1990 was the first year all mayors and councillors were elected at the same time for a three year term.

Can I look at a candidate's financial disclosure statements?
Yes; they are available at Bowen Island Municipal Hall or on the municipal website, during regular office hours, from the time of filing until 7 years after the election to which they relate.

What is an elector organization?
An elector organization is an organization that encourages the election of a particular candidate. If the organization wants to have its name appear on the ballot with the candidate's name, it must have been in existence for 60 days and have had a membership of 50 electors of the local government for that period.  Elector organizations are bound by the same financial disclosure rules as candidates and their disclosure statements are available for inspection by the public at the local government office.