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Governance

2026 General Local Elections

The 2026 General Local Elections will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Every four years the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) conducts general local elections to elect a Director to represent each of our six Electoral Areas, "A" (Bamfield), "B" (Beaufort), "C" (Long Beach), "D" (Sproat Lake), "E" (Beaver Creek), "F" (Cherry Creek).

The ACRD also conducts elections on behalf of School District 70 Pacific Rim, for six Trustees representing: the City of Port Alberni, Electoral Areas "A" (Bamfield), "B" (Beaufort), "D" (Sproat Lake), "E" (Beaver Creek) and "F" (Cherry Creek), and one Trustee representing the West Coast, which includes the District of Tofino, District of Ucluelet, and Electoral Area "C" (Long Beach).

On this page you will find information about candidate eligibility, nominations, local elections legislation and additional video resources. If you are looking for general information regarding rules around campaigning, election financing, etc. please visit the BC Elections website.

Key Election Dates
DateAction or Deadline
August 18 6 pm - Candidate Information Session - To be held at City of Port Alberni City Hall Council Chambers
September 1 9 am - Nomination Period Begins
September 11 4 pm - Nomination period ends
September 11 Declaration of Candidates
September 15 4 pm - Nomination Challenge Deadline
September 18 4 pm - Deadline for withdrawal of candidates and withdrawal of elector organization endorsement
September 21 4 pm - Declaration of Election by Voting or Acclamation
September 21 Mail ballot requests begins
October 7 8 am - 8 pm - Advance Voting Day
October 14 8 am - 8 pm - Advance Voting Day
October 17 8 am - 8 pm - Election Day
October 17 After 8 pm - Preliminary Election Results
October 21 Declaration of Official Election Results
October 26 Judicial Recount Application Deadline
December 4 Oath or Affirmation of Office Deadline
January 15 Disclosure Statements Filing Deadline
February 16 Disclosure Statements Late Filing Deadline

Information for Voters

There are two categories of voters who qualify to vote in local government elections in B.C., Resident Electors and Non-Resident Electors.

A Resident Elector qualifies to vote by meeting the following criteria:

  • You are a Canadian citizen;
  • You are 18 years of age or older on or before voting day;
  • You have been a resident of BC for at least six (6) months prior to voting day;
  • You are a resident of the regional district or trustee electoral area; and
  • You are not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.

A Non-Resident Elector qualifies to vote by meeting the following criteria:

  • You are not a Resident Elector of the Electoral Area or Trustee Electoral Area;
  • You are a Canadian Citizen;
  • You are at least 18 years of age or older on or before voting day;
  • You have lived in BC for at least six (6) months prior to voting day;>
  • You have owned property in the Electoral Area or Trustee Electoral Area for at least thirty (30) days prior to voting day;
  • You have been designated by the other owner(s) of the property as a Non-Resident (Property) Elector for that property; A majority of owners must complete and sign a non-resident property elector form;>
  • You are not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.

Property registered in company/corporation name does not qualify under the Local Government Act to vote in this local government election.

Registration - Voting Day Only

There is no need to pre-register to vote, as the registration of all qualified electors will take place at the time of voting.

Identification

All electors are required to bring two (2) pieces of identification to the voting place. The identification must show the elector's identity and place of residence and at least one of the pieces of identification must show the elector's signature. Acceptable identification includes:

  • BC Drivers License
  • Social Insurance Card>
  • BC Identification Card
  • BC Care Card or Gold Care Card
  • Property Tax Notice
  • ICBC Vehicle Insurance Registration Documents
  • Utility Bill
  • Citizenship Card
  • Certificate of Indian Status (issued by the Government of Canada)

Note: A combined BC Driver's License and BC Care Card are considered one piece of ID

Bylaws

A1089 Election and Assent Voting (ACRD)

Bylaw No. 2026-01 SD70 Trustee Election (ACRD)

Local Elections Legislation Resources

Resources

School District Trustee Specific Resources

Contact Information

Cynthia Dick, Chief Election Officer
250-720-2706

Heather Zenner, Deputy Chief Election Officer
250-720-2731

elections@acrd.bc.ca