What’s new this election?
The rules that govern Vancouver civic elections are contained in the Vancouver Charter
(Parts I and II) . On March 31, 2008, these rules were changed by the Local Government Statutes Amendment Act, 2008 (Bill 7).
The following is a summary of some of these amendments. This summary is provided for convenience only. For a full understanding of the amendments, you should read the legislation in its entirety.
All of the following amendments are already in force, and will apply to the 2008 general local election.
Voting by mail
It is easier to vote by mail. Previously, electors could only vote by mail if they had a physical disability, illness or injury. Now, electors can vote by mail if they:
- have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity, or
- expect to be absent from the City on general voting day and at the times of all advance voting opportunities.
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Advance voting
It is easier to vote in an advance voting opportunity. Previously, electors could only vote in advance for a limited number of reasons (e.g. They expected to be absent from the City on general voting day). Now, there are no restrictions on who can vote in advance. More information
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Non-resident property electors
It is easier for non-resident property electors (NRPEs) to vote. Previously, NRPEs had to visit the Election Office to get a special certificate before registering at the time of voting. Now, they no longer need to have this certificate in order to register at the time of voting. More information about NRPEs (
PDF)
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Information about candidates
It is easier to view candidates’ nomination papers and campaign financial disclosures. Previously, the only way to view unedited versions of the nomination papers and campaign financing disclosure statements was to inspect them in person at City Hall. Now, the City is allowed to post unedited versions of these documents on the Internet, starting in 2008. More information about candidates
Also, access to copies of the voters list has been clarified. Previously, it was unclear whether members of the public were entitled to request copies of the voters list. Now, the legislation states that copies of the voters list are not available to the general public; the list will remain available for viewing by the public, and copies are still provided to candidates.
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Nominations
Council now has the option to increase the minimum number of nominators who sign the candidates’ nomination papers. Previously, a nomination for office as a member of Council had to be made in writing by 2 persons who are electors of the City. Now, Council has increased the minimum number of nominators to 25.
Also, the nomination requirements have been amended. Previously, candidates could file a nomination package even if they did not intend to take office if elected. Now, candidates must include in their nomination package a solemn declaration of intent to take office if elected.
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Campaign financing
Campaign financing changes include:
- A new class of individuals or organizations called "campaign organizer" has been created. Campaign organizers are groups and individuals that conduct election campaigns that are intended to support a candidate or elector organization. They are subject to many of the same campaign financing disclosure requirements that apply to candidates and elector organizations. More information about campaign organizers
- Campaign accounts will only be required when a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer is ready to deposit a contribution or is about to commit to incur an expense.
- Candidates and elector organizations will be required to provide the chief election officer with up-to-date contact information and must file financial disclosure statements if they incur election expenses or receive campaign contributions. Campaign organizers only need to file this information if they incur election expenses or receive campaign contributions in excess of $500.
- If elector organizations and campaign organizers failed to file a campaign financing disclosure statement, they will be prohibited from campaign fundraising and spending until after the next general local election.
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