Information for Voters

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Are you eligible to vote

Voting rights are given to citizens based on residency or property ownership (although nobody is eligible to vote in relation to property owned through or in conjunction with a corporation).

There are two categories of electors for local government elections in BC: Resident Electors and Non-Resident Property Electors. 

Voting as a Resident Elector

You are eligible to register as a Resident Elector if you:

• are at least 18 when you register to vote, or 18 on General Voting Day
• are a Canadian citizen
• have been a resident of BC for at least six months immediately before you register to vote
• must be a resident of Bowen Island
• are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local election

Voting as a Non-Resident Property Elector (NRPE)

You are eligible to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector if you are a Canadian citizen at least 18 years old on general voting day, and you:

• are not entitled to register as a Resident Elector of Bowen Island
• have been a BC resident for at least six months immediately before you register to vote
• are the registered owner, or an owner as joint tenant or tenant in common, of property on Bowen Island for at least 30 days immediately before you register to vote
• are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local election

If you own your Bowen Island property with one or more other individuals, only one person is eligible to vote as the non-resident property elector for that property. A majority of the property owners registered on title must consent, in writing, to one elector voting for that property. This is important to know before you vote because we will check who is registered on title to ensure you have the written consent to vote.

You 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.

Registering to vote

You must be registered before you can vote in the general local election. We use the province’s most recent provincial electors list as our registered resident electors list, so if you are registered to vote in the next provincial election, you’re automatically registered to vote in the 2026 General Local Election.

How to register at the voting place when you vote

Advanced registration closed on August 25, 2026. If you still need to register to vote, you can do so in person at the time of voting. Here’s how:

Residents

Bring two pieces of identification with you to establish your identity and place of residence. At least one of your pieces of ID must contain your signature. If you do not have ID that will establish your place of residence, you can make a solemn declaration when you vote.

• Examples of ID that will establish your identity: Driver’s Licence, BC ID, MSP card, SIN card, credit card
• Examples of ID that will establish your place of residence: Driver’s Licence, BC ID, telephone bill, hydro bill, personalized cheque

Non-resident Property Electors

You must bring two pieces of identification. At least one piece needs to have your signature and proof that you own the property (eg. deed, title search). If your property has other owners, you need to provide a consent form signed by a majority of the other owners.

Voting opportunities

What you need to bring on voting day

If you are already registered, no identification will be required to vote. If you are not registered, have moved or changed your name, you will require two pieces of ID.

What you can use as identification

• BC Driver’s Licence
• BC Identification Card
• BC Services Card
• ICBC Vehicle Insurance Document
• BC Care Card
• Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8
• Social Insurance Number Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Property Tax Notice
• Credit card or debit card
• Utility bill issued for the supply of electricity, natural gas, water, telephone services or cable services
• Indian Status Card (a document, issued by the government of Canada, that certifies that the applicant is registered as an Indian under the Indian Act of Canada),
• Citizenship or membership card issued by a first nation,
• Citizenship card issued by Métis Nation British Columbia

Mail ballot voting

Any eligible elector can apply to vote by mail ballot.

Step 1: Make sure you’re registered to vote.

Step 2: Apply to vote by mail ballot by completing this Application Form.

Step 3: Get your mail ballot package in the mail or pick it up from the Municipal Offices.

Step 4: Mark your ballots according to the instructions provided.

Step 5: Make sure you return your ballots to the Chief Election Officer as soon as possible.

Where to return mail ballots

Up to Friday, October 16 at 4:00 pm: Return mail ballots to the attention of the Chief Election Officer at the Municipal Offices.

On October 17, 2026 General Voting Day: Return mail ballots to the attention of the Chief Election Officer at the voting place, Bowen Island Community School (1041 Mt. Gardner Rd, Bowen Island) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Mail ballots will not be accepted after the close of voting at 8:00 pm on October 17, 2026.

Getting help to vote

If you need assistance voting or have accessibility needs, learn about the services, tools and accessible voting options available to help you vote.

If you cannot easily enter the building: an election official can bring ballots to you outside the building – you can even stay in your car and vote. This is called curbside voting. Please contact the Chief Election Officer to make arrangements for curbside voting.

If you need help marking the ballot: an election official, or a friend or relative can assist you. They will have to make a declaration to assist you honestly.

If you need language support: you may bring a translator to assist you. They will have to make a declaration to assist you honestly.

If you cannot sign a form: an election official can sign for you or witness your mark.

If you prefer to avoid the voting place entirely: you can vote by mail ballot.