Local government elections in British Columbia are held every four years. This includes elections for mayors, councillors, regional district electoral area directors, school trustees, Islands Trust trustees, local community commissioners and park board commissioners.
The next general local elections will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
On election day, eligible voters in Courtenay will elect:
one mayor
six councillors
two school district trustees for School District No. 71 Trustee Area 1
To learn more about how local elections work in B.C., visit the general local elections page on the Province of B.C. website.
Candidate and election worker information
The nomination period for mayor, councillor and school trustee opens Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. and closes Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Nomination packages for the 2026 general local election are now available.
Two nominators are required. Your candidacy can be challenged if your nominators are not eligible. Therefore, we recommend you have more than two nominators.
Can I submit my nomination forms remotely?
Yes and no. You do not need to appear in person to submit your nomination forms, but you must sign the form in person (a "wet" signature), in front of the Deputy/Chief Election Officer or a BC Commissioner for Taking Affidavits.
When can I start posting campaign signage and wearing campaign clothing?
Election advertising, including campaign signs and branded clothing, can be posted or worn starting at 12:01 a.m. on September 19 under Election Bylaw No. 3073.
Remember to follow the Local Election Campaign Financing Act requirements for election advertising, including authorization statements where required.
A Ministry of Transportation corridor runs through Courtenay, including Highway 19A and parts of Cliffe Ave. and Ryan Rd.
Election signs along this corridor must follow the Ministry’s rules. In previous elections, this resulted in two different start dates: one for most of Courtenay and a later date for signs along the Highway 19A corridor.
To make the rules more consistent for candidates, the City aligned its election sign regulations with the Ministry’s requirements for the 2026 election.
When can candidates start door-knocking?
Candidates can start door-knocking at any time. They do not need to wait until the campaign period begins.
How to vote
There are several ways to vote in the 2026 local government election. Choose the option that works best for you.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave
Saturday, October 17, 2026 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Queneesh Elementary School, 2345 Mission Rd
Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave
Voters may attend either location. All voters are welcome to vote early at advance voting opportunities. The City of Courtenay does not mail voter information cards.
Completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8 p.m. on October 17, 2026, to be counted.
Do I need to be registered before applying? Confirm that you are registered to vote before applying for a mail ballot. See Registering to vote below for registration information and deadlines.
What identification do I need? You will need two pieces of identification to complete the mail ballot voting process. You can provide photocopies of your identification or present your identification in person at Courtenay City Hall or a voting place for verification. See Acceptable identification below.
When will I receive my mail ballot package? Mail ballot packages are expected to be available in late September once ballots are available. You can have your package mailed to you or arrange to pick it up at Courtenay City Hall.
Can someone else pick up my ballot package? Yes. You may authorize another person to pick up your package at Courtenay City Hall. They will need to provide identification and sign a form.
When should I apply if I want my package mailed to me? If you are using Canada Post, we recommend applying by September 25 to allow enough time for your package to be delivered and returned.
When should I mail my completed ballot back? If you are returning your completed ballot by Canada Post, we recommend mailing it by October 9 to allow enough time for delivery. Your completed ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8 p.m. on October 17, 2026, to be counted.
How do I complete and return my ballot? Follow the instructions included with your mail ballot package or review the Mail Ballot Voting Instructions [PDF/119KB]. Completed ballots may be returned according to the instructions provided with your package.
Services are available to support voters with accessibility needs:
All advance and general voting locations are wheelchair accessible.
All eligible voters may vote by mail ballot.
Assistance is available for voters unable to mark a ballot due to a physical disability or difficulty with reading or writing.
Voters may bring a friend to assist, or request assistance from an election official.
ASL interpretation will be available at the Florence Filberg Centre on general voting day.
Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day (October 17, 2026).
Be a resident of the City of Courtenay on the day of registration.
Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months before registration.
Not be disqualified from voting.
There is no corporate or business vote in local elections.
Non-resident property electors
To vote as a non-resident property elector, you must:
Be a Canadian citizen.
Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day.
Have owned real property in the City of Courtenay for at least 30 days immediately before registration.
Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registration.
Not be entitled to register as a resident elector.
Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment.
If there is more than one registered owner of a property, only one owner may register to vote, designated in writing by the majority of owners. Businesses or corporations cannot vote.
Registering to vote
The City of Courtenay uses the most current provincial list of voters prepared by Elections BC.
Visit the Elections BC website to check eligibility, update voter information or register to vote.
Council appoints a Chief Election Officer to ensure the process is run in accordance with the Local Government Act Part 3 and the City of Courtenay Election Bylaw No. 3073.
