Vancouver voters can cast advance ballots before the Oct. 17 civic election

British Columbia voters will go to the polls on two consecutive Saturdays in October 2026 for separate elections: Vancouver’s civic election on Oct. 17 and the provincial general election on Oct. 24. In the civic election, Vancouver voters will choose a mayor, 10 city councillors, seven Vancouver Park Board commissioners and nine Vancouver School Board trustees. There are 130 candidates for those positions, listed on the first ballot in a random order determined by a draw.

The same ballot will include three yes-or-no questions asking whether the city can borrow a combined $790 million for new and upgraded community and recreational facilities and infrastructure under its 2027-2030 capital plan. Each voter will also receive a second ballot with two non-binding advisory public safety plebiscite questions: one about public use of hard drugs and another about a proposed secure medical facility offering voluntary and involuntary care for people with mental health and addictions issues. The results will formally register voters’ views, but will not change laws or require the next Vancouver City Council to act.

The City has expanded advance voting locations to reduce the likelihood of long lines, which were a major issue in the April 2025 byelection. The election operations budget is $9.4 million, double the amount spent for the October 2022 civic election. Advance voting will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Saturday, Oct. 10; and Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 59 locations. On Saturday, Oct. 17, the final day to vote, 85 voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may use any voting place in Vancouver on advance voting days and election day, regardless of their neighbourhood. The City’s online voting map lists locations and dates.

Support for voters includes priority lines, help marking a ballot and curbside voting at most locations for people unable to enter because of a disability or health concern.

To be eligible, a voter must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 on Oct. 17 and have lived in British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registering. They must live in Vancouver and not be legally disqualified from voting. There is no minimum residency period within Vancouver itself. People who live elsewhere in B.C. may also qualify if they have owned property registered in their name in Vancouver for at least 30 days before registering. Under the additional rules for non-resident property voters, only one owner per property may register in that category, and jointly owned properties require written consent from a majority of owners.

Registered voters should bring the Voter Information Card mailed to them in September 2026 to speed up check-in. People who are not registered can register at a voting place and must provide two acceptable pieces of identification, both showing their name. At least one must also show their address, and at least one must show their signature. A B.C. driver’s licence, Canadian passport, bank statement or utility bill may be used if the combination meets those requirements. Electronic utility bills displayed on a phone are accepted. The City’s voter guide says anyone with only one piece of identification can make a solemn declaration confirming their identity and address.

Voting by mail is another option. Requests to have a ballot package mailed out, made online or by calling 3-1-1, must be completed by noon on Monday, Oct. 5. Voters may request a package for pickup at the Election Office until noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13; the pickup deadline is noon on Friday, Oct. 16. Completed mail ballots must reach the City by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, to be counted. A postmark before the deadline is not enough. Packages can be returned by mail or through designated drop boxes.