Non-Resident Property Electors: Frequently-Asked Questions

Who is eligible to be a non-resident property elector?

If you are the registered owner of real property in one municipality or district and you live in another, you have the right to vote both where you live and where you own property.

To vote in the Vancouver municipal election as a non-resident property elector, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• You are not entitled to register as a resident elector in the City of Vancouver.
• You will be age 18 or older on general voting day (November 15, 2008).
• You are a Canadian citizen.
• You have been a resident of B.C. for at least 6 months immediately before the day you register to vote.
• You have been a registered owner of real property in Vancouver for at least 30 days immediately before the day you register to vote.
• The only persons who are registered owners of the real property are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or other trust.
• (If applicable) You have received the written consent of the majority of registered owners for the real property, authorizing you to be registered as the non-resident property elector for this property.
• You have not registered as a non-resident property elector in relation to any other parcel of real property in the City of Vancouver.
• You are not disqualified by the Vancouver Charter, the School Act, or any other enactment from voting in an election nor are you otherwise disqualified by law from voting.

Are landed immigrants eligible to vote?

No. You must be a Canadian citizen to vote.

What does “registered owner of real property” mean?

This means whichever of the following is applicable:

(a) the owner of a registered estate in fee simple of the property, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraphs (b) to (d);

(b) the holder of the last registered agreement for sale, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraph (c) or (d);

(c) the tenant for life under a registered life interest in the property, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraph (d);

(d) the holder of a registered lease of the property for a term of at least 99 years.

What if the property is registered in my company’s name?

You are not eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector if the property is registered in your company’s name. Furthermore, you are not eligible to vote if you are holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust.

What if I own property with someone else?

Only one non-resident property elector may vote for each property. In other words, if two or more individuals own a single piece of property, the majority of the owners must designate -- in writing -- one owner as the non-resident property elector for that property. In this instance, a completed Consent of Registered Owners for Non-Resident Property Elector Registration form must be submitted before registration can take place.

What if I own property with someone else, and that person is living on the property?

The person living on the property may qualify as a resident elector because he or she is a resident of Vancouver. As a non-resident property owner, you are also eligible to vote for that property, but you will still need the written consent of the other owner.

What if I own more than one piece of property?

You may only vote as a non-resident property elector for one piece of property in any municipality, regional district or school district. In other words, even if you own two pieces of property in one municipality, you may vote only once. If, however, you own one piece of property in one municipality that you are not a resident in, and a second piece of property in another municipality that you are not a resident in, you may vote in both of those jurisdictions as a non-resident property elector and vote as a resident elector in the jurisdiction that you reside in.

How do non-resident property owners register?

There are two ways for you to register. You may register in advance before September 23, 2008 by submitting the following documentation to the Election Office:

• Application for Registration as a Non-Resident Property Elector. Remember to have your signature on the form witnessed by another individual, who will also sign and provide their residential address.
• Consent of Registered Owners for Non-Resident Property Elector Registration form (if the property has more than one registered owner)
• A photocopy of proof of ownership of the property (such as property tax notice, assessment notice or certificate of title)

If you register in advance, you will receive a “Where to Vote” card in the mail at the end of October. You may then simply take the “Where to Vote” card to the voting place and sign the register to receive your ballot.

Alternatively, you may register at the time of voting. You must provide the same documentation as if you registered in advance. In addition, you will be required to show two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live. One of them must have your signature on it.

When I register to vote with the City, will my name be added to the provincial voters list?

No. When you register as a non-resident property elector, your information will not be included in the provincial voters list. However, the City will keep your name on its own voters list.

Do I need to get a Non-Resident Property Owner Certificate?

No. Prior to the 2008 election, non-resident property owners were required to go to the Election Office to get a special certificate providing evidence of their eligibility to register as a non-resident property elector. Due to a legislative amendment, this certificate is no longer required.

What does “disqualified from voting” mean?

You may not vote in a British Columbia local government election if you:

• have been convicted of an indictable offence and are in custody; or
• have been found guilty of an election offence.