General Local Elections

Next Election
The next local government election is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

General local elections in B.C. are held every four years on the third Saturday in October. 

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. Learn more on the Elections BC website.

Interested in Running for Local Office?


Elections for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Trustee are for four year terms.

To be eligible to run for local government office in a general local election or a by-election, a person must have been a resident of B.C. at least six months immediately before filing their nomination documents. They do not have to live or own property in the area where they are running for office.

In addition, a person must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day;
  • Be a Canadian citizen; and
  • Not be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in B.C. or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

Please note that:

  • If you currently work for the City of North Vancouver or School District #44, you must take a leave of absence before being nominated.
  • Federal Government employees must apply to the Public Service Commission for permission to run in the election.
  • At least two qualified City of North Vancouver electors (whose names must be on Elections BC’s list of electors) must nominate you in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Learn more about eligibility and specifics of running for local office on the BC Government Running for Local Office webpage.


Provincial Information on Running for Office

The Province of BC has made the following resources available to help inform and guide individuals who are considering running for local office:

Share |