Election Legislation

Local government elections are held every three years and conducted by local governments.

Elections are held for all municipalities (except the City of Vancouver), and for regional district electoral area directors, under the legislative framework of the Local Government Act, Part 3. City of Vancouver elections are held under parallel provisions in the Vancouver Charter, Part 1. Provisions under these Acts cover everything from who is eligible to vote or run for office to election-day administration, campaign finance rules and election offences.

Local government election rules also apply to elections for other local bodies, including Islands Trust trustees, some parks board commissioners, and community commissions, as well as boards of education under the
School Act Part 4.

There are also rules for “other voting” such as referendums held by local governments in the Local Government Act, Part 4 and the Vancouver Charter, Part 2.

Provincial elections are conducted by Elections BC under the Election Act.