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 2026 Election Dates

• Nomination period opens: September 1, 2026
• Nomination period closes: September 11, 2026
• Campaign period begins: September 19, 2026
• Advanced Voting Days: October 7, 2026, and October 14, 2026
• General Voting Day: October 17, 2026

More details will be posted as they become available.

Local Elections Legislation Resources

• Local Government Act
• Local Election Campaign Financing Act
• Community Charter
• School Act
• Offence Act

Resources

• What Every Candidate Needs to Know
• Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections
• Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in BC for Candidates and their Financial Agents
• Video: Advice for Running for People Running for Local Office
• Video: Voting and Taking Office
• Video: Characteristics of Effective Locally Elected Officials
• Video: What is Local Government?
• Video: Local Government Decision Making
• Video: Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Officials
• Video: Testing your Readiness for Local Office