2026 General Local Election
Saturday, October 17, 2026

A general local election is held every four years for voters to choose the people who will represent them in local government. On general voting day, eligible voters cast their ballots in favour of a candidate to represent their area. 

The 2026 General Local Elections will be held on October 17, 2026, with Advance Voting Opportunities held on October 7, 2026.

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Work as an Election Official

What is an election officer?
An election officer is a temporary worker who helps run polling stations during local general elections and supports a fair and orderly voting process.

Who would be a good fit?
Election officers are typically people who:

  • Are reliable and punctual
  • Pay attention to detail and accuracy
  • Can communicate clearly with a wide range of people
  • Are friendly, respectful, and professional
  • Are comfortable following set procedures and instructions
  • Can stay focused and organized during a long workday

Responsibilities

  • Checking voter eligibility and assisting with registration.
  • Issuing ballots and explaining the voting process.
  • Ensuring voting procedures are followed fairly and securely.
  • Counting ballots and reporting results.

Typical hours

  • Voting places are open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on advance voting days and General Voting Day.
  • Workers are expected on-site before opening and after closing for set up and wrap up.
  • This results in a long workday (approximately 10–14 hours).

Work environment

  • Indoors at community halls, schools, or other public buildings.
  • Mostly seated, with some standing or light movement.
  • Busy during peak times such as morning, midday, and evening.

Other considerations

  • Breaks are not scheduled and may be limited depending on voting activity.
  • Attention to detail and professionalism are important throughout the day.
  • Training is provided in advance so workers understand their role and procedures.

The Regional District is seeking election officials to support the 2026 General Local Election on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as well as the advance voting opportunity on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

If you are interested in working as an election officer, please contact our office:

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Information for Voters

Local elections give residents the opportunity to choose their Electoral Area Director and have a direct voice in decisions that affect their community. These decisions can include services, infrastructure, land use planning, and long-term priorities within the Regional District.

You can vote in a local election as either a resident elector or a non-resident property elector.

In accordance with section 72 and 73 of the Local Government Act, resident and non-resident property electors have the opportunity to register at the time of voting.

Resident Electors

You are eligible to vote as a resident elector if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older when you register to vote, or 18 years or older on general voting day
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of BC for at least six months immediately before they register to vote
  • Are a resident of the  electoral area on the day you register to vote; and
  • Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in local elections or otherwise disqualified by law

Non-Resident Property Electors

If you live outside the area but own property within the electoral area, you may be eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector.

A non-resident property elector must:

  • Are 18 years of age or older when you register to vote, or 18 years or older on general voting day
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of B. C. for at least six months immediately before they register to vote
  • Are the registered owner of real property in the jurisdiction where they intend to vote for at least 30 days immediately before you register to vote and
  • Are not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in local elections or otherwise disqualified by law

If a person owns a property with one or more other individuals, only one person is eligible to vote as the non-resident property elector for that property. The owner entitled to vote must be designated, in writing, by the majority of the property owners.

A person cannot vote on behalf of a corporation, or as a non-resident property elector, based on a property owned wholly or in part by a corporation.

Electors Living on Reserve

Eligible Indigenous and non-Indigenous electors who live on Reserve can vote. Where that person votes depends on whether the Reserve overlaps with or is adjacent to a municipality or regional district boundary .

Learn more here: Electors living on Reserve

Students

Students who live in one jurisdiction and attend an educational institution in a jurisdiction different from their usual place of residence may vote only once--either in the jurisdiction where they attend school or in the jurisdiction that is their usual place of residence.

The information that electors must provide when applying to register as an elector (LGA section 70) is as follows:

  • Full name;
  • For resident electors, residential address and mailing address, if the mailing address is different;
  • For non-resident property electors, the address or legal description of real property in respect of which the person is registering and the mail and mailing address, if different. Proof of Ownership must be provided (e.g. Property tax notice):
  • Either their birthdate or the last 6 digits of their social insurance number; and
  • A declaration that the elector meets the qualifications to vote at the election.

To register at the time of voting a person must provide at least 2 pieces of identification with at least 1 of which includes the person’s signature, as set out in the Local Government Elections Regulation 383/93. For a full list please visit the Local Government Elections Regulation 383/93.

Some examples of acceptable documentation of identification includes:

  • BC Drivers Licence
  • BC Identification Card
  • BC Care Card or BC Gold Care Card
  • BC Services Card with or without a photo
  • A citizenship or membership card issued by a first nation, or Metis Nation British Columbia
  • Vehicle insurance papers
  • Social Insurance Number Card
  • Citizenship Card
  • Property tax notice
  • Credit card or debit card
  • Utility bill

Properties registered in company/corporation names do not qualify under the Local Government Act to vote.

To learn more about eligibility and how to vote, please visit Voting in Local Elections.

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Information for Candidates

The 2026 General Local Election includes positions for Electoral Area Directors within the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

Serving as an Electoral Area Director is an opportunity to represent your community and contribute to local decision-making.

Before deciding to run, individuals are encouraged to consider:

  • The time commitment required, including attending regular board meetings, committee meetings, and community events
  • The responsibility to represent the interests of residents within your electoral area
  • The need to understand local government roles, policies, and services
  • The importance of making informed, fair, and impartial decisions

Being an elected official requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to engage with your community on a range of issues.

To be eligible to run for office in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age on General Voting Day
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately prior to nomination
  • Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other legislation from voting or holding office

These requirements ensure that candidates are qualified to participate in local governance and represent their communities.

Candidates must be officially nominated during the nomination period in order to run in the election.

The nomination process includes:

  • Submitting completed nomination documents within the nomination period.
  • Collecting the required number of eligible nominators.
  • Filing nomination papers with the Chief Election Officer or designated staff.
  • Providing any required supporting documentation.

Nomination documents are available prior to the nomination period and must be submitted before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions cannot be accepted.

Detailed instructions and forms will be provided in the RDBN Candidate Nomination Package.

Candidates are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with applicable legislation and ethical standards throughout the election process.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Following all rules set out in the Local Government Act and related legislation
  • Ensuring campaign activities are conducted respectfully and lawfully
  • Understanding the role and responsibilities of the office
  • Communicating accurately with voters

Candidates who are elected must be prepared to serve their community, participate in governance, and make decisions in the public interest.

Campaign activities for local elections in British Columbia are regulated under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.

Candidates are responsible for:

  • Complying with campaign financing rules, including contribution limits and expense limits
  • Tracking and reporting campaign expenses and contributions
  • Filing required disclosure statements with Elections BC

While the Regional District administers the election, Elections BC oversees campaign financing and disclosure requirements.

Candidates are encouraged to review the rules carefully to ensure compliance.

Candidates are required to complete and submit a number of forms as part of the nomination process and campaign.

These may include:

  • Nomination documents
  • Candidate information release forms
  • Financial disclosure statements
  • Appointment forms for financial agents or scrutineers (if applicable)

All required forms and supporting materials will be included in the official Candidate Nomination Package.

Candidates should be aware of important dates and deadlines, including:

  • Nomination period
  • Withdrawal deadline
  • Campaign period
  • General Voting Day

All key dates will be posted on this webpage and should be reviewed carefully.

Additional information and guidance are available through the Province of British Columbia:

These resources provide detailed information on candidate responsibilities, campaign requirements, and the election process.

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Legislation, Resources, and Roles

The General Local Election is governed by provincial legislation. Candidates are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable requirements.

Key Legislation and Resources

  • Local Government Act
    Provides the legal framework for local elections, including eligibility, nominations, voting procedures, and election administration.
  • Community Charter
    Includes provisions related to financial disclosure, conflict of interest, and the responsibilities of elected officials
  • ​​​​​​Local Elections Campaign Financing Act
    Sets out rules for campaign financing, including contribution limits, expense limits, advertising requirements, and disclosure obligations.​​​​​​
  • Province of British Columbia – General Local Elections
    Provides comprehensive information about local elections in BC, including resources for candidates and voters.

Who Does What in Local Elections
Unlike provincial elections, local elections are not managed by one organization. Each local government is responsible for running its own local elections, including voting, counting, reporting results, and accepting candidate nominations.

  • Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
    Responsible for administering the local election, including managing nominations, conducting voting opportunities, counting ballots, and declaring results.
     
  • Elections BC
    Responsible for administering campaign financing and election advertising rules under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, including contribution limits, expense limits, and financial disclosure.

  • Province of British Columbia
    Establishes the legislative framework for local elections through statutes such as the Local Government Act and Community Charter.

Learn More
Find additional information about roles and responsibilities in local elections: Who Does What in Local Elections

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Chief Election Officer:
Cheryl Anderson

Phone: 250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339
Email: admin@rdbn.bc.ca

Deputy Chief Election Officer:
Wendy Wainwright

Phone: 250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339
Email: admin@rdbn.bc.ca

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