Frequently Asked Questions For Voters

FAQ Voters

• Am I eligible to vote?

  To vote in the election, you must either be a Resident Elector or Non-Resident Property Elector.

  Resident Electors:

  • 18 years of age or older on general voting day
  • Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day you vote (April 19, 2018)
  • Have lived in Nanaimo for at least 30 days before the day you vote (September 19, 2018)
  • Not be disqualified by law from voting.

  Non-Resident Property Electors

  • 18 years of age or older on general voting day
  • Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day you vote (April 19, 2018)
  • Have owned property in the City of Nanaimo for at least 30 days (September 19, 2018)
  • Not be disqualified by law from voting.
  • Have the written consent of the majority of the other property owner(s) to vote on their behalf.

  Only one non-resident property elector per property may vote, regardless of how many people own the property; and, the owner must have the written consent of a majority of the other property owner(s) to vote on their behalf.

  Property owned in whole or in part by a corporation does not qualify under the non-resident property elector provisions.

• When can I vote?

  Municipal Election – Saturday, October 20, 2018 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
  Advanced Voting Days - Wednesday, October 10^th and Wednesday, October 17^th (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

• Where can I vote?

  Advanced Voting will take place at Bowen Park, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC.
  General Voting Day – multiple voting locations will be available across the City. Two voting location maps are available to view, share and download:

  • interactive story map
  • pdf version

• What identification should I bring to the voting location?

  If you are already registered to vote in Nanaimo you will not be required to present identification as you will already be included in the voters list. 

  If you are a new or unregistered voter, or are unsure if you are on the voters list, please bring two pieces of valid identification that prove who you are and where you live, one of which must include your signature:

  Acceptable documents include:

  • BC Driver's License
  • BC Identification Card issued by Service BC
  • BC Services Card
  • Owner's Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle License issued by Service BC
  • BC CareCard
  • Ministry of Social Development Income Assistance Monthly Report Form
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Canadian passport or Citizenship card
  • Property tax notice issued by the City of Nanaimo
  • Credit or debit card
  • Utility bill (electricity, natural gas, water, telephone or cable service)
  • Student card

• What if my name or address has changed? How do I edit the voters list?

  To change your name and/or address contact Elections BC at:

  Toll Free:  1-800-661-8683

  TTY:  1-888-456-5448

• Am I registered to vote?

  The City of Nanaimo uses the Provincial Voters list.  If you have voted previously in a provincial election you will most likely be on the voters list.  If you are unsure you can contact Elections BC to check your voter registration.  You can register in person at the voting location.  Please ensure you bring proper identification if you plan to register at the location.  Non Resident Property Electors please ensure you bring the correct documents.  Please contact the Election Office (Legislative Services) for more information:  elections@nanaimo.ca

• I am a Nanaimo property owner, but I don’t live in Nanaimo, am I eligible to vote?

  Yes, you are eligible to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector in the City of Nanaimo if you meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years or older
  • Canadian citizen
  • Resident of British Columbia for at least six months before Election Day (April 19, 2018)
  • Property owner in the City of Nanaimo for at least 30 days before Election Day (September 19, 2018)
  • Not eligible to vote as a resident voter in the City of Nanaimo
  • Registered in relation to one piece of property
  • If more than one person owns the property, only one owner may vote. A Consent Form must be brought to the voting location, along with proof of ownership.
  • Not disqualified from voting by any statute or law
    

  Note: You may be required to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector in person on Election Day, please complete an Application Form (available at the voting location).

  Note: Property owned in whole or in part by a corporation does not qualify under the Non-Resident Property Elector provisions.

• Who makes the rules about Local Government Elections?

  Procedures regarding conduct of Local Government Elections are established by the Province of BC under the Local Government Act, Community Charter, Election Act, Local Elections Campaign Financing Act and School Act.  In accordance with this legislation, local governments are permitted to adopt bylaws to establish election procedures in their own jurisdictions. 

• Can I bring a translator to assist me if English is my second language?

  You may bring a translator to help you at the voting location.  The translator will be required to complete a declaration in order to provide assistance.

• I am a person with a disability, what support will I receive at the voting location?

  If you have difficulty entering the voting location you may ask for the ballot to be brought out to you (curbside voting).  If you are not able to bring someone with you to notify the Presiding Election Official (PEO) that you require assistance, a contact number for the PEO will be available in the parking lot of each voting location on voting day.

  If you require assistance with marking your ballot you may bring someone with you to the voting location to help you.  Please note they will be required to complete a declaration in order to provide support, or an election official can assist you.

• I’m going to be out of town on Election Day, how can I vote?

  Two Advanced Voting days will be available for your convenience on October 10^th and October 17^th between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Bowen Park, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC. 

  If you will not be able to attend either of the Advanced Voting days you may submit an Application to Vote by Mail.  Mail in ballots application forms will be available in late August and must be received by the Legislative Services Department, 455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC before 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

• What if I am not on the voters list?

  You can register to vote during business hours 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Legislative Services Department, 455 Wallace Street, until August 28, 2018.  After that date you can register at any of the advance polls or voting locations on voting day.