2026 local government elections

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, eligible voters in Courtenay will elect:

  • one mayor
  • six councillors
  • school district trustees (School District No. 71)

How to vote

There are several ways to vote in the 2026 local government election. Choose the option that works best for you.

Who can vote?

Resident electors

To vote as a resident elector, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen.
  • 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.

Acceptable identification

New registrations require two pieces of identification that show identity and place of residence, with at least one containing a signature.

Accepted identification includes, but is not limited to:

  • Driver’s licence
  • B.C. Identification Card (issued by ICBC)
  • Photo B.C. Services Card (CareCard)
  • Non-photo B.C. Services Card (CareCard)
  • Certificate of Indian Status (issued by the Government of Canada)
  • Citizenship or membership card issued by a First Nation
  • Citizenship card issued by Métis Nation British Columbia
  • ICBC car insurance papers
  • Provincial Social Assistance Form SDES8
  • Statement of employment insurance benefits
  • B.C. government cheque
  • Canadian Forces identification
  • Firearms licence (issued by the Government of Canada)
  • Social Insurance Number card
  • Canadian citizenship card
  • B.C. property tax notice
  • Credit card, debit card or statement
  • Utility bill (such as cable, electricity, gas, telephone or water services in B.C.)
  • Valid current passport
  • Birth certificate

Candidate and election worker information

Election notices, legislation and bylaws

Contact information

Chief Election Officer
Kate O’Connell

Deputy Chief Election Officer
Adriana Proton

Phone: 250-334-4441
Email: election@courtenay.ca

Last updated: