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1. When is General Voting Day?

General Voting Day for local government elections will be Saturday, October 15, 2022.

2. How do I cast my ballot?

The CSRD uses same-day registration. You can register to vote at a polling station at an Advanced Voting Opportunity or on General Voting Day.  A list of polling stations in your area can be found at the Voter Information page. Mail-in ballots are also available. 

You must have two (2) pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live. The ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature. If your ID does not show your residential address, you can make what is called a “solemn declaration” as to your residence.  The voting clerk will have the form you need to use to make that declaration. Examples are: a Driver’s Licence, Care Card, Credit Card or a utility bill or tax notice. 

Please note that a combined Driver’s Licence/Care Card is considered to be only one (1) piece of identification.

 

3. I'm not going to be available on Election Day. Can I vote in advance?

Yes, there will be Advance Polling opportunities on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Voters can cast ballots for Electoral Areas C, D, E, and F at the CSRD Office - 555 Harbourfront Drive Ne, Salmon Arm between 8 AM and 8 PM.

Mail ballot voting was available for resident electors and non-resident property electors in the CSRD, however the deadline for mail ballot voting has passed. 

If you already have a mail ballot, it must be received by the Chief Election Officer at the CSRD Office no later than 8 PM (local time) on Saturday, October 15, 2022 to be counted.

Please note: once you request a mail ballot, you will not be issued another ballot.

4. Who can I ask if I have questions about the election process?

The Chief Election Officer is responsible for conducting the general local election in accordance with the Local Government Act and local election bylaws. If you have questions about the election process, contact the CSRD’s Chief Election Officer by phoning 250-832-8194 or emailing [email protected].

The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties.  The police and the courts enforce general election offences.

You can get answers to questions about election advertising, third party sponsors and campaign financing by contacting Elections BC. Elections BC and the courts enforce election campaign financing and advertising offences.

5. Do I have to register in advance of General Voting Day?

No. The CSRD uses Same Day Registration. You can register to vote at a voting place prior to voting. Just remember to take two pieces of identification with you if you are a resident voter. ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature.

If you are registering as a non-resident property elector, you must also provide the address or legal description and the title (or other proof of ownership) of the property you are registering to vote in relation to. If you own the property with other people, you will need their written consent to vote on behalf of them.

6. Do I need identification in order to vote?

Yes. You must have two (2) pieces of identification (ID) that prove who you are and where you live. The ID must show your residential address and one of them must have your signature. If your ID doesn't show your residential address, you can make what is called a "solemn declaration" as to your residence. The voting clerk will have the form you need to use to make that declaration.

If you are registering as a non-resident property elector, you must also provide the address or legal description and the title (or other proof of ownership) of the property you own. If you are one of two or more owners, you must also demonstrate - in writing - that you have the consent of the majority of all owners to vote on behalf of them in the election.

7. What forms of ID are acceptable?

To register as a resident elector, you need two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live – one piece must include your signature. If the identification provided does not establish where you live, you will also need to make a solemn declaration as to your residency.  

To register as a non-resident property elector, you need two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live – one piece must include your signature. You must also bring the following documentation:

• if applicable, a consent form signed by a majority of registered owners authorizing you to register as the property’s non-resident property elector, 
• proof of ownership such as a property tax notice, assessment notice, or certificate of title.

Acceptable identification includes:

• BC Driver’s Licence
• BC Identification Card
• BC Services Card
• Credit or Debit Card
• Residential Property Tax Notice
• Utility Bill
• Citizenship Card
• ICBC Certificate of Insurance
• Social Insurance Card.
• Passport
• Firearms Certification

Please note: The combined BC Driver's Licence and Services Card is considered one piece of ID.

8. I am a member of a First Nation, living on reserve. Can I vote in a local government election?

Yes. Eligible Members and non-members of a First Nation that reside on a reserve that meet the requirements of a resident elector, can vote. Where you vote depends on whether the reserve is located within a municipality or a regional district electoral area. Check with your nearest local government office to determine within which boundary your reserve is located.

9. I moved here two weeks before General Voting Day. Can I vote?

Yes. If you have been a resident of BC for more than six months before voting day (prior to April 14, 2022).

10. I am not a Canadian Citizen. Can I vote?

You must be a Canadian citizen to be eligible to vote.

11. Can I vote by mail?

Yes. Mail ballot voting was available for resident electors and non-resident property electors in the CSRD. The deadline to receive mail ballots has passed, so this type of voting is no longer an option.

If you already have a mail ballot, it must be received by the Chief Election Officer at the CSRD Office no later than 8 PM (local time) on Saturday, October 15, 2022 to be counted.

Please note: once you request a mail ballot, you will not be issued another ballot.

12. Can I vote through the Internet or by telephone?

No. The legislation does not currently allow for voting through the Internet or telephone.

13. I own more than one property, do I get an extra vote?

No. There is no corporate or business vote in local government elections. Voting rights are granted to citizens on the basis of residency or property ownership. This means that 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.

14. I don't live in the jurisdiction, but I own property. Can I vote?

If you are a resident of British Columbia, own property in the electoral area and are otherwise qualified, you may be able to vote as a non-resident property elector. If you own the property with other non-resident electors, only one of you can vote. You must have the written consent of the other owners to cast the ballot. Voters can use the Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form to collect the applicable signatures before arriving at the polls. 

 If you own property along with a corporation, then none of the owners of the property are eligible to vote. If you own more than one piece of property in the proposed electoral area, you may only vote in relation to one.

Out-of-province property owners are not eligible to vote in BC elections.

15. Can I take someone into the voting booth to help me?

Yes. If you need assistance, an election official may assist you to vote. If you are caring for someone (e.g. a child or elderly relative) at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you.

Anyone providing assistance to another elector is required to sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

16. Where can I find information on election results?

The results will be posted on the CSRD website, the Civic Info website and will also be published in local newspapers.