Resident electors: frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to be a resident elector?

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

• 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 resident of Vancouver for at least 30 days immediately before the day you register to vote.
• 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 “resident” mean?

Section 25 of the Vancouver Charter contains rules for determining residence:

1. The following rules apply to determine the area in which a person is a resident:
   (a) a person is a resident of the area where the person lives and to which, whenever absent, the person intends to return;
   (b) a person may be the resident of only one area at a time for the purposes of this Part;
   (c) a person does not change the area in which the person is a resident until the person has a new area in which the person is a resident;
   (d) a person does not cease being a resident of an area by leaving the area for temporary purposes only.
2. As an exception to subsection (1), if a person establishes for the purposes of attending an educational institution a new area in which the person is a resident that is away from the usual area in which the person is a resident, the person may choose for the purposes of this Part either the usual area or the new area as the area in which the person is a resident.

How do resident electors register to vote?

There are two ways for you to register:

1. You may register in advance before September 23, 2008 by submitting an Application for Registration as a Resident Elector. This application form is available from the Election Office. 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.
   
2. Alternatively, you may register at the time of voting. You must complete and sign an Application for Registration as a Resident Elector. 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?

Yes. When you register as a resident elector, your information will be forwarded to Elections BC, to be included in the provincial voters list.

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.

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