Common Questions
for Voters
Am I Eligible to Vote?
If eligible, you may vote in a local election in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) or the Gambier Island Local Trust Area as either a resident elector or as a non-resident property elector - someone who owns property in the jurisdiction but lives somewhere else in BC. This guide answers a few of the basic questions about local government elections in British Columbia.
Am I on the Voter’s List?
The Sunshine Coast Regional District uses the Provincial Voters' List as its List of Resident Electors. If you have previously registered as a non-resident property elector, you will continue to be registered as an elector.
Can I Register to Vote on Voting Day?
If you are not on the List of Electors, but qualify to vote, you may register on voting day at your designated voting place.
To register at the voting place, you must provide election staff with two pieces of identification (ID). The ID must prove who you are and where you live. At least one piece must have your signature on it. If your ID does not show your residential address, you can make a "solemn declaration" as to your residency. Examples of acceptable forms of identification include:
| BC Driver's License | Utility Bill |
| Social Insurance Card | Property Tax Notice |
| ICBC Vehicle Insurance Documents | BC CareCard or Gold CareCard |
| BC Identification Card | Citizenship Card |
| Credit Card |
Non-resident Property Owners Registration to Vote
Non-resident property owners may also register at the time of voting; however advance registration is encouraged.
You can apply to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector at the Sunshine Coast Regional District Office, located at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, during regular office hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. You will be asked to provide two pieces of identification and proof that you are the registered owner of the property. If the property is owned jointly with other individuals, you must also have the written consent of the majority of the owners to vote as the non-resident property elector. An application to register as a non-resident property elector must be completed.
Where do I Vote?
Voting place locations will be advertised in local newspapers and posted HERE, once an election has been declared by the Chief Election Officer.
Any inconsistency with the Local Government Act is unintentional and for accuracy, reference should be made to that Act. Official election notices will be published in the Coast Reporter newspaper.
Can I vote by mail?
New for 2022, mail ballot voting will now be available to all eligible electors who apply to vote by mail. More information, including the mail ballot Application Form, will be available soon.
While eligibility to vote by mail has been expanded, it should also be noted there is a quick turnaround time to send out and receive back mail ballots due to the election timeline imposed by legislation. Mail ballot packages will be available for pick-up or mail out to eligible electors on or about September 30.
Completed ballot packages must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 in order to be counted.
for Candidates
for Candidates
- Email elections@scrd.ca to request an electronic copy of the nomination package. Please put “Election Nomination Package” in your subject heading, or
- Drop by the SCRD’s administration office at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt (MAP) to request a printed copy of the nomination package.
What resources are available for candidates?
The Province of BC has provided a collection of information for potential candidates to assist with questions about local government and serving as an elected official.
If you are thinking about becoming a candidate in the upcoming local election, nomination packages are now available upon request.
How can I get a nomination package?
There are two ways to get a nomination package.