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2026 Municipal Election Information

This fall, voters in Kaslo will elect a Mayor and four Councillors to serve the Village for the next four-year term. Voting is one of the most important ways citizens can participate in their local government, providing an opportunity to choose who will represent their interests. Elected officials are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community and shaping its future. Your vote matters.

Key dates:

Nomination PeriodTuesday, September 1, 2026 to Friday September 11, 2026
Campaign PeriodSaturday, October 19, 2026
ADVANCE POLL:Wednesday, October 7, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at City Hall, 413 Fourth Street, Kaslo
GENERAL VOTING:Saturday, October 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 74, 403 Fifth Street, Kaslo

 

For more information, please contact:

Karissa Stroshein, Chief Election Officer at elections@kaslo.ca or 250-353-2311 ext. 105.

Who Can Vote in the Village of Kaslo Election?

In British Columbia local elections, you can vote if you qualify as either a resident elector or a non-resident property elector.


Resident Electors (People Who Live in Kaslo)

You can vote as a resident elector if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in British Columbia for at least 6 months before you register to vote
  • Live in the Village of Kaslo at the time of registration
  • Are not disqualified by law from voting

You do not need to own property to vote as a resident elector. [www2.gov.bc.ca]


Non-Resident Property Electors (Property Owners Who Live Elsewhere in BC)

You may be eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Have lived in British Columbia for at least 6 months before you register to vote
  • Have been a registered owner of real property in Kaslo for at least 30 days before registration
  • Do not qualify to vote as a resident elector in Kaslo
  • Are not disqualified by law from voting

Additional requirements:

  • Only one person may vote per property
  • If more than one person owns the property, written consent from a majority of owners is required
  • Corporations cannot vote and property held by a corporation does not qualify [www2.gov.bc.ca]

Important Notes

  • You can vote only once in Kaslo, either as a resident elector or a non-resident property elector
  • Voting rights in local elections are based on residency or property ownership [www2.gov.bc.ca]

Not Sure If You’re Registered?

The Village of Kaslo uses the Provincial List of Electors for resident voters.

You can confirm your registration with Elections BC:
Phone: 1-800-661-8683
Email: electionsbc@elections.bc.ca

If you are not on the list, you may still be able to register at the time of voting.


What You Need to Register and Vote

At the voting place, you will need:

  • Two pieces of identification (one must include your signature)
  • If applicable, proof of property ownership and written consent (for non-resident property electors)

Resources

Elections BC website

BC Ministry website

Voter’s Guide to Local Elections in BC


For more information, please contact:

Karissa Stroshein, Chief Election Officer at elections@kaslo.ca or 250-353-2311 ext. 105.

Key Dates

EventDate
*Mail Ballot Packages Available (Estimated)*September 28, 2026
Mail Ballot Return Deadline (City Hall)Friday, October 16, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.
General Voting DaySaturday, October 17, 2026 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Final Mail Ballot Drop-Off (In-Person)Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 8:00 p.m.


In-Person Voting

You may vote in person at an advance voting opportunity or on General Voting Day.

General Voting Day

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #74 - 403 Fifth Street, Kaslo, BC

Advance Voting

  • Date: Saturday, October 7, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Kaslo City Hall - 413 Fourth Street, Kaslo, BC

Registering to Vote

If you are not already on the voters list, you may register at the time of voting.

You will be required to:

  • Complete a registration form; and
  • Provide two pieces of identification (at least one with your signature)

If your identification does not show your address, you may complete a solemn declaration.


Mail Ballot Voting

Electors who are unable to attend in person may vote by mail ballot.

How to Apply

To receive a mail ballot package, you must submit an application to the Chief Election Officer:

  • Mail or drop-off:
    413 Fourth Street, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0
  • Email: elections@kaslo.ca
  • Fax: 250-353-2311

Mail ballot packages will be distributed once ballots are available (anticipated September 28, 2026).


Returning Your Mail Ballot

Electors are responsible for ensuring their completed ballot and all required documents are received by the Chief Election Officer by the applicable deadline. This includes any costs associated with returning the ballot.

To be counted, your completed mail ballot must be:

  • Received by mail or delivery service:
    By 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026
    at Kaslo City Hall (413 Fourth Street)

OR

  • Delivered in person:
    By 8:00 p.m. on General Voting Day (October 17, 2026)
    at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #74
    (403 Fifth Street)

Mail ballots received after these deadlines cannot be accepted.


Important Notes

  • You may vote only once in the election
  • Voting is available to both resident electors and non-resident property electors who meet eligibility requirements
  • Registering and voting can be completed in one visit at the voting location if needed

Need Assistance?

For more information about voting options, registration, or eligibility:

  • Contact the Village of Kaslo Chief Election Officer, or
  • Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683

Do I need to register to vote?

Yes. You must be registered in order to vote.

If you are a resident elector, you may already be registered through the Provincial List of Electors. If you are not on the list, you can still register when you go to vote. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]


How do I check if I’m registered?

You can confirm your registration by contacting Elections BC:

  • Phone: 1-800-661-8683
  • Email: electionsbc@elections.bc.ca

You can also ask election staff at the voting place.


Can I register on voting day?

Yes.

If you are not registered, you may register at the voting place during advance voting or on General Voting Day. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]


Do I need to register in advance?

No.

Advance registration may be available, but it is not required. You can always register when you go to vote.


What do I need to register and vote?

To register, you must provide:

  • Two pieces of identification
  • At least one piece must show your signature
  • Identification must confirm your name and place of residence [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]

What if my ID does not show my address?

You can still register and vote by:

  • Providing identification showing your name; and
  • Making a solemn declaration at the voting place confirming your residence [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]

I’m not on the voters list—can I still vote?

Yes.

As long as you are eligible, you can register at the voting place and vote at the same time.


How do I register as a non-resident property elector?

If you own property in Kaslo but live elsewhere in BC, you may register at the voting place.

You will need:

  • Two pieces of identification
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Written consent from other owners (if the property has multiple owners) [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]

Can more than one owner vote for the same property?

No.

Only one person may vote per property, with written consent from a majority of owners.


I recently moved—can I still vote?

Yes.

You can register using your current place of residence, provided you meet the voter eligibility requirements and can provide appropriate identification.


Can I register without a fixed address?

If you do not have a traditional residential address, you may still be eligible to register. Election staff can assist you with completing a declaration regarding your place of residence.


What happens after I register?

Once your registration is completed and your eligibility is confirmed, you will be issued a ballot and can proceed to vote.


Need Help?

If you have questions about voter registration or eligibility:

  • Contact the Village of Kaslo Chief Election Officer, or
  • Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683

Quick Summary

You can register to vote:

  • In advance (if available), or
  • At the voting place on advance voting days or General Voting Day

Bring the required identification, and you can register and vote in one visit.

Are You Interested in Running for Office?

Serving on Kaslo Council for the 2026–2030 term is a significant commitment requiring time, preparation, and dedication to public service. Council members represent the community and make decisions that shape the future of the Village.


Role of Council

Council is the governing body of the Village of Kaslo and is responsible for:

  • Establishing policies and bylaws
  • Approving budgets and overseeing municipal services
  • Considering the well-being and interests of the community

Council members are expected to review agendas and materials in advance and participate in informed decision-making in accordance with the Village’s Council Procedure Bylaw.


Meeting Schedule

Regular attendance is expected.

  • Regular Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
  • Special and Committee of the Whole Meetings: As required
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: City Hall, Council Chambers

Council members are expected to attend regular meetings and commit time to preparation, community engagement, and committee participation. Members are expected to attend in person or with electronic participation when authorized.


Responsibilities of Elected Officials

Mayor

The Mayor provides leadership to Council and:

  • Presides at Council meetings
  • Recommends bylaws and resolutions
  • Acts as spokesperson for the municipality
  • Reflects and communicates the will of Council

Councillors

Councillors are responsible to:

  • Consider the interests of the community
  • Contribute to policy development
  • Participate in Council and committee meetings
  • Carry out duties assigned by Council

As elected officials, Council members should expect their actions and decisions to be subject to public scrutiny


Code of Conduct and Ethics

Elected officials must:

Council members must not participate in decisions where they have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest or other conflict of interest.


Candidate Qualifications

To run for Mayor or Councillor, you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Have been a resident of BC for at least 6 months for at least 6 months immediately before submitting nomination documents
  • Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act

You become a candidate once your nomination documents are filed and you are declared a candidate by the Chief Election Officer.


Nomination Process

  • Nomination forms will be available prior to the nomination period
  • Candidates must be nominated by two qualified electors
  • Nomination documents must be submitted to the Chief Election Officer or designate
  • There is no nomination fee (consistent with Bylaw 1337 unless amended)

Nomination period dates will be posted once confirmed.


Campaign Requirements

Campaign Financing

Candidates must comply with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA):

  • Appoint a financial agent (or act as your own)
  • Open a campaign account before spending funds
  • Track all contributions and expenses

Financial Disclosure

Disclosure statements must be filed within 90 days after General Voting Day. Failure to file may result in disqualification.


Election Signs

Candidates must follow Village bylaws and provincial regulations related to election signage, including placement, timing, and removal. Details will be provided during the nomination period.


Scrutineers

Candidates may appoint scrutineers to observe voting and ballot counting. Scrutineers must:

  • Sign a declaration before entering a voting place
  • Not interfere with voting proceedings
  • Follow instructions of election officials

Learn More

For more information:

Legislation:

Village of Kaslo:

  • Village of Kaslo Election Bylaw No. 1337 (In progress)

Candidate Resources: