Voting!

This cycle's election is important. Every four years, we pick the 6 councillors and the mayor who are meant to represent your voice. Roads, taxes, recreation, debt, development, all of it runs through the people sitting in those chairs.

In 2022, we only has a 21.7% voter turnout, or 1 in 5 eligible voters. 

That meant each person who voted in 2022 had roughly five times the decision-making power they would have had if everyone eligible had participated.

Regardless of whether my name is one you mark, the town needs you to show up. This means your potholes, your water systems, your rec centre, and your community get built by the people you choose in October. 

Or, instead, by the people someone else chose without your input. 

See the DOK website for additional information on voting in this municipal election.

WHO CAN VOTE?

There are five criteria for Resident voters.

• At least 18 years old on general voting day (Oct 17th).

• A Canadian Citizen.

• A resident of the District of Kitimat municipality on the day you vote.

• Lived in BC for at least 6 months prior to registering to vote.

• Not disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or any other law.

If you own property in Kitimat but don't live here, you may still vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector under six criteria (only one vote per property).

• At least 18 years old on general voting day (Oct 17th).

• A Canadian Citizen

• Lived in BC for at least 6 months prior to registering to vote

• Have owned property in the District of Kitimat for 30 days prior to registering to vote.

• Do not live in the District of Kitimat, and do not already qualify as a resident elector of Kitimat.

• Are not disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or any other law

WHEN TO VOTE

Advanced voting: Wednesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 14.

General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17.

WHERE TO VOTE

This information still needs to be announced by the DOK during the election period.

HOW TO REGISTER

You can register early to vote via the Elections BC website, or you can register at the voting place on the day you vote. If you register on voting day, you'll need to bring two pieces of identification - with atleast one having your primary address, and at least one containing your signature.

Eligible ID includes: 

• BC Driver's Licence

• BC Services Card (when combined with a Driver's Licence, these count as one piece of ID)

• BCID Card

• Social Insurance Card

• Canadian Citizenship Card

• Citizen or membership card issued by a First Nation

• BCIC Owner's Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence

• Credit card or utility bill showing your name and address

HOW DOES VOTING WORK

We use "first past the post" (non-ranked) voting.

The mayoral candidate with the most votes wins, and the six council candidates with the most votes each earn a seat.

The DOK mentions "There will be advance voting opportunities, mail-in voting opportunities, special voting opportunities, as well as the voting opportunity on general election day. Those dates will be announced during the election period."

You don't have to use all 6 of your council votes. Only vote for the candidates you feel confident in and want to see at that table.

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The full offical candidates list will be available from the DOK when nominations close. I'll also link it here when published.