British Columbia’s 2026 local election season is officially underway, with the pre-campaign period beginning Monday and Elections BC reminding candidates, advertisers and voters of the rules and important dates leading up to election day.
While Elections BC oversees campaign financing and election advertising under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the agency notes that local elections are administered by individual municipalities and regional districts.
“Unlike provincial elections, local elections are not managed by one organization,” Elections BC states on its website.
“Each local government is responsible for running its own local elections, including voting, counting, reporting results and accepting candidate nominations. Elections BC is responsible for administering the campaign financing and election advertising rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.”
With the pre-campaign period now in effect, election advertising is permitted, provided advertisements include the required authorization statement and contact information.
Elections BC also said campaign contributions, including both monetary donations and in-kind contributions, are capped at $1,429.70 for the 2026 election.
Across northeast B.C., several local governments have already begun preparing for the election by offering information sessions for prospective candidates. The Peace River Regional District, the City of Fort St. John and the District of Tumbler Ridge have all announced opportunities for residents interested in running for local office.
The nomination period opens Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 11, while the official campaign period begins Sept. 19. General voting day is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Elector organizations have until July 31 to register with Elections BC. Residents wishing to vote have until Aug. 18 to register with Elections BC, although voters can still register through their local government after that date and before casting a ballot.
Elections BC also notes its offices will be closed on Sept. 7 for Labour Day, Sept. 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Oct. 12 for Thanksgiving.
As the election season ramps up, local governments across the province are encouraging residents to learn about the voting process and consider putting their names forward for elected office.
