Voter Eligibility

Residents

To qualify as a resident elector, a person must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:

• age 18 or older on or before General Voting Day; and
• a Canadian citizen; and
• a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and
• a resident of the District of Sparwood for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any enactment from voting in an election, or otherwise disqualified by law.

Non-Residents

To qualify as a non-resident property elector, a person must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:

• age 18 or older on or before General Voting Day; and
• a Canadian citizen; and
• a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and
• a registered owner of real property in the District of Sparwood for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and
• not entitled to register as a resident elector; and
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any enactment from voting in an election, or otherwise disqualified by law.

The following special conditions determining eligibility apply to persons wishing to register as a non-resident property elector:

• Only one person may vote per property.  If several non-residents own a single piece of property, the owners must select one of the owners to vote.
• Written consent (Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form) from the majority of those property owners not voting MUST be submitted to the Chief Election Officer.
• A current title search is required as proof satisfactory that the applicant is entitled to register.
• A non-resident property elector must obtain a non-resident property elector certificate in order to be eligible to vote.

Students

Students who live in one jurisdiction and attend an educational institution in a jurisdiction different from their usual place of residence may vote only once--either in the jurisdiction where they attend school or in the jurisdiction that is their usual place of residence.

Provincial Voters List

The District of Sparwood uses the most current available provincial list of voters prepared by Elections BC rather than maintaining its own voters list. Resident electors whose names appear on the provincial voters list are automatically registered and are not required to show identification in order receive a ballot and vote in a local election.

A person whose name does not appear on the provincial voters list is required to show two pieces of identification (or sign a solemn declaration) before being issued a ballot by the presiding election official.

The names of non-resident property electors are not recorded on the provincial voters list. Non-resident property electors are required to register at the time of voting (same-day registration) and show two pieces of identification, as well as the title of the property in relation to which they are voting.

ID Requirements

Bring at least two (2) documents that provide proof of identity and place of residence. At least one of the documents must contain your signature.

Acceptable identification includes:

• BC Identification Card
• BC Care Card
• Social Insurance Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Utility Bill (phone, hydro, gas etc.)
• Property Tax Notice
• Credit Card or Debit Card
• Vehicle insurance documents issued by ICBC
• Valid Passport

For more information, please refer to the Province of BC's Voter’s Guide to Local Elections in B.C.