Introduction
General local elections in B.C. are held every four years on the third Saturday in October. The next general local elections will be held on October 15, 2022.
General local elections (and by-elections) are the most direct way for the public to influence their local government, school district or other local governance body by determining the individuals who then make decisions and govern on their behalf following general voting day.
Who can run for office in Ladysmith?
You may run for any local government office if you:
- are a Canadian citizen;
- are at least 18 years old on election day;
- have lived in British Columbia for at least six months (i.e., you moved here on or before May 13, 2014); and
- have not been disqualified from voting in this election.
You do not have to live or own property in Ladysmith to run for office here.
You may not run for local government office if you:
- are a judge of the Provincial Court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal;
- are an employee or salaried officer of the Town of Ladysmith (unless you have taken a leave of absence to run for office and agree to resign if elected);
- are under sentence for an indictable offence and are in custody or in prison;
- have been found guilty of an elections offence, such as double voting or buying votes, and are prohibited from holding office; or
- have been disqualified from this election for failing to:
- file a disclosure statement in a previous election;
- make an oath of office; or
- attend meetings.
For more information about running for office, click on this link for a Local Elections Candidates Guide produced by the Province of BC -- BC Government Candidate Guide, Thinking of Running for Local Office video series, or pick up a copy at City Hall.
For information about the new rules for campaign financing under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, click here.
Who Can Vote in Municipal Elections?
You can vote if you live in Ladysmith, or hold property in Ladysmith, and meet the following:
Resident Electors:
- 18 years of age or older on general voting day
- Canadian citizen
- Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day you vote (since April 19 or earlier)
- Have lived in Ladysmith for at least 30 days before the day you vote (since September 19 or earlier)
- Are not disqualified by law from voting.
Non-Resident Property Electors
- 18 years of age or older on general voting day
- Canadian citizen
- Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day you vote (since April 19 or earlier)
- Have owned property in the Town of Ladysmith for at least 30 days (since September 19 or earlier)
- Are not disqualified by law from voting.
- Have the written consent of the majority of the other property owner(s) to vote on their behalf.
Only one non-resident property elector per property may vote, regardless of how many people own the property; and, the owner must have the written consent of a majority of the other property owner(s) to vote on their behalf.
Where can I learn more about local government?
For information about local government elections in B.C., click here.
For information about local governments in B.C., click here
Where can I get more information about local government elections?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at vote@ladysmith.ca if you have any questions or need more information:
Chief Election Officer: Joanna Winter, 250.245.6417
Deputy Chief Election Officer: Donna Smith, 250.245.6413
Deputy Chief Election Officer: Andrea Hainrich, 250.245.6418