Op-ed: Coquitlam says local democracy deserves its own moment

Every four years, British Columbians can choose the people who make decisions for their communities. On October 17, voters across B.C. will elect mayors, councillors, school trustees and other local representatives. Those officials make decisions about roads, parks and recreation centres, neighbourhood development and many everyday services.

Coquitlam has been preparing for this year’s municipal election for months. Its election team has been arranging voting locations, recruiting and training hundreds of election workers, preparing voting materials and setting up systems for an accessible, transparent and secure election. The city says there are more ways to vote this year than ever before: six advance voting dates starting October 5, and 23 voting locations across the city on October 17. For the first time in a Coquitlam municipal election, every eligible voter can apply to vote by mail.

Residents have also heard discussion about the possibility of an early provincial election. If one is called during the municipal election period, it could have practical and logistical effects for municipalities and voters. Local governments administer municipal elections independently, and Coquitlam says its preparations are continuing as planned. It will maintain its planned voting locations and advance voting opportunities, and provide residents with information in the coming days and weeks as it learns more about the Province’s plans and any possible implications for local voters.

The city says residents deserve the chance to consider local candidates and issues without those conversations competing with another election at the same time. Municipal elections already face challenges engaging voters: they receive less media coverage than provincial campaigns, while voters must learn about multiple candidates and their platforms in a relatively short period. B.C. voters deserve the opportunity to give local issues and candidates their full attention during a municipal election.

Municipal government directly affects daily life. It is responsible for many services and decisions residents experience in their neighbourhoods, including parks and recreation, roads, planning, development and community facilities. Local candidates also deserve a chance to have voters hear their ideas and priorities. Coquitlam says it would prefer the two election periods not to overlap and is disappointed that they could now take place at the same time.

In the meantime, the city is focused on helping residents get ready to participate. Eligible voters can learn about the candidates and issues that matter to them, vote in advance if that better suits their schedules, apply to vote by mail if they prefer, or plan to visit one of the city’s voting locations on October 17. Information about voting opportunities, eligibility and candidates is available at coquitlam.ca/vote.

Local democracy happens close to home. Every four years, residents choose the people who will help shape their community’s future. Coquitlam says it is ready to welcome voters and looks forward to residents taking part. The city urges residents to make a plan to vote.

Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam City of Coquitlam