Everything you need to know to vote in the 2017 BC Election

Apr 6 2017, 6:46 am

It’s almost time to vote.

And because the BC provincial election happens only once every four years, it’s important for you to participate. This is your chance to vote for the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) that you feel should be elected in your electoral district.

General Voting Day is on May 9, but that’s not the only way or time you can vote. As it turns out, you have several different options – and you’ll be happy to know the process is rather simple.

To help you see why, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know as the election approaches.

Did you remember to register?

Online and phone registration has closed, but it’s not too late. You can still register at any voting place or district electoral office when you go to vote.

Voter ID

You need to bring ID that proves your identity and home address. Your BC driver’s license, BCID, BC Services Card (with photo), or Certificate of Indian Status will work.

Or you can show two documents, both with your name, and at least one with your address.

Find a list of acceptable IDs here.

Where to vote

There are lots of ways to vote in BC. All eligible voters can vote at any voting place in the province. You can find the dates and locations of voting places by:

  • Using Elections BC’s Where to Vote application on their website.
  • Downloading a list of all the voting places in BC and when they’re open.
  • Watching for your Where to Vote card in the mail. Elections BC is sending these to every registered voter in the province. Your card will have the dates and locations for advance and general voting in your area. Plus, you can use your Where to Vote card as one of two pieces of ID.

Advance voting

This makes for a simple and convenient way to vote if you can’t make it on General Voting Day on May 9. Advance voting is available throughout the province from 8 am to 8 pm on:

  • Saturday, April 29
  • Sunday, April 30
  • Wednesday, May 3
  • Thursday, May 4
  • Friday, May 5
  • Saturday, May 6

It’s open to all eligible voters, and all advance voting locations are wheelchair accessible.

Voting by mail

You can request a voting package and vote by mail.

So, if you’re away during the election you can still vote. Just remember to make sure you return your completed voting package to the district electoral office that issued it before 8 pm on General Voting Day.

More info about voting by mail is available here.

Voting in a district office

Voters can vote at any district electoral office until 4 pm on May 9. You can find a list of district electoral offices on Elections BC’s website.

General voting

Voting locations will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on General Voting Day – Tuesday, May 9. Voters can vote at any voting location in BC.


Remember, to be eligible to vote you have to be at least 18 years old on May 9, a Canadian citizen, and resident of BC for the past six months.

For more information on how, where, and when to vote, visit Elections BC. Stay in the know about the BC Election via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can also join the conversation on Twitter using #iVoteBC, and support the campaign by updating your social profiles.

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