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2018 General Local Elections

The next general local election will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

NEW! Working for the Election (Click here)

Eligible New Westminster voters will elect:

  • One Mayor
  • Six City Councillors
  • Seven School District 40 Trustees
     

Important Dates

  • January 1, 2018 to September 21, 2018 - Election Period
  • September 4, 2018 to September 14, 2018 - Nomination Period
  • September 22, 2018 to October 20, 2018 - Campaign Period
  • October 20, 2018 - General Voting Day
  • January 18, 2019 - Financial Disclosure Statement Deadline

Advance Registration Information

Register in advance with Elections BC to save time! Advance registration closes on August 28, 2018.

Here are the ways you can register to vote in advance:

  • Visit http://elections.bc.ca and click “REGISTER TO VOTE”;
  • Call Toll-Free: 1.800.661.8683;
  • In person at City Hall.


Who is eligible to vote?

Resident electors must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:
  • 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
  • A Canadian citizen;
  • A resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration;
  • A resident of the City of New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and
  • Not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.

Non-resident property electors must meet the above eligibility requirements; however, in lieu of the 30-day residency requirement, a non-resident property elector must have been a registered owner of real property in New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration.


Who is eligible to be a candidate?

Candidates must meet all of the following requirements at the time of voting:
  • A resident of British Columbia at least 6 months before filing their nomination documents;
  • 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
  • A Canadian citizen;
  • Not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.

More information about running for office can be found on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's website.

Additional candidate resources from Elections BC can be found here.

  • NEW! Working for the Election

    The City of New Westminster Election Office is now accepting applications for the October 2018 Local Government Elections, for the following positions:

    • Presiding Election Officials
    • Assistant Presiding Election Officials
    • Election Officials (Poll Clerks, Machine Attendants, and Greeters)

    Qualifications include (but are not limited to):

    • Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public
    • Ability to communicate clearly
    • Ability to work a minimum of 12-hours on voting days with minimal breaks
    • Ability to efficiently operate a Windows-based computer program.

    Consideration will be given to people with prior election experience.  Second-language knowledge will also be considered an asset.

    The Election Official application form can be downloaded here. 

    Hardcopies are also available at the City Hall Reception Desk (511 Royal Avenue) during regular business hours.

    Submission instructions

    Completed application forms can be submitted in one of the following ways:

    • NEW for 2018: Complete the form online and click the "Submit by Email" button on the form to email it to:
    • NEW for 2018: Take a photo of the completed application form with your phone and email it to: (Please ensure that the entire application form including your signature is captured)
    • Drop off at the City Hall Reception Desk or at Legislative Services
    • Scan and email it to
    • Mail to: Elections Office, City of New Westminster, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9

    For further information, please write to or phone 604-527-4523.

  • 2018 Campaign Financing and Expense Limits

    Please click here to see the candidate expense limits for New Westminster for the 2018 General Local Election.

    Please direct all questions related to campaign financing to Elections BC:

    Elections BC

    Phone toll-free: 1-855-952-0280

    Email:

    Fax: 250-387-3578

  • What do the Mayor, Councillors, and School Trustees do?

    More information about running for office can be found on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's website.

    --------------------------------------------------

    The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) publishes a booklet titled Local Government in BC: A Community Effort, an excellent overview of local government in BC in an easy to read, colourfully illustrated format.

    Download Local Government in BC: A Community Effort here.

  • Contact Us

    Jacque Killawee, Chief Election Officer

    Philip Lo, Deputy Chief Election Officer

    Election Office

    New Westminster City Hall

    511 Royal Avenue
    New Westminster BC  V3L 1H9

    Phone: 604-527-4523

    Email: