Do I qualify to vote?

You can vote in a civic election in the City of Williams Lake as a resident elector if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older on the day of registration OR, if an election or assent voting is in progress, will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election or assent voting; and
  • Are a Canadian citizen**; and
  • Have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration; and
  • Are a resident of the City of Williams Lake; and
  • Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

All City of Williams Lake residents who meet these requirements can vote. It does not matter whether you rent or own your home.

If you own property in the City of Williams Lake but live somewhere else in BC, you are qualified to vote in the City of Williams Lake civic election as a non-resident property elector as long as you:

  • Are not entitled to register as a resident elector in the City of Williams Lake; and
  • Are 18 years of age or older on the day of registration, OR if an election or assent voting is in progress, will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election or assent voting; and
  • Are a Canadian citizen**; and
  • Have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration; and
  • Have been a registered owner of real property in the City of Williams Lake for at least thirty (30) days immediately before the day of registration (the only persons who are registered owners of the real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust); and
  • Have received the written consent of the majority of individuals registered as owners of the real property to be registered as the non-resident property elector for this property (if there is more than one owner of the property); and
  • Are not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting in BC, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

Non-resident property electors can vote only once, regardless of the number of properties they own. If there is more than one registered owner of a property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the other owners, register as a non-resident property elector. If you have any questions about registering and voting as a “non-resident property elector”, contact the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer (250-392-1773/1774; elections@williamslake.ca).

Pre-registration as a non-resident property elector is recommended.

**Landed immigrants who are not yet Canadian citizens are not permitted to vote in civic elections.

-- Return to Election Webpage

Show All Answers

1. When is the next election?
2. Where and when can I vote?
3. Do I qualify to vote?
4. Can I still vote if I do not live in the City of Williams Lake boundaries?
5. When will we know who is running for Mayor and Councillors?
6. Is my name on the current list of electors?
7. Can I register to vote on election day?
8. Do I need identification to vote?
9. Do you offer curbside voting for persons with disabilities?
10. Can I vote if I am out of town in October?
11. Are mail-in ballots permitted?
12. Do I have to vote for all six (6) Councillor positions on the ballot?
13. Am I qualified to run for office?
14. Do I have to live in the City of Williams Lake to run for office?
15. How to I get nominated?
16. How many nominators do I need to run for office?
17. Where do I get nomination papers and when is the period for filing them?
18. What are the rules for campaign signs?
19. Where can I find information on campaign financing, elector organizations and third party sponsors?
20. Where can I find information on financial disclosure requirements?
21. What is an Elector Organization?
22. What is a Campaign Organizer?
23. Does the public have access to candidates’ nomination documents?
24. What was the voter turnout for past municipal elections in Williams Lake?
25. Who can I contact if I have questions?