It may still be summer but this fall's civic elections are already starting to gear up.
Nomination packages are available at city halls in Port Moody (100 Newport Dr.), Coquitlam (3000 Guildford Way) and Port Coquitlam (2580 Shaughnessy St.) ahead of the October filing period.
A person who wishes to be nominated for the Nov. 19 elections must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older, and a resident of B.C. for at least six months immediately before the day papers must be filed.
The nomination period takes place between Oct. 4 and 14 and papers must be filed during city hall hours. The nomination period is followed by a four-day challenge process, during which members of the public and the chief election officer can review candidates and ensure they meet the qualifications.
In Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, one mayor, six councillors and two school trustees will be elected while in Coquitlam, one mayor, eight councillors and four trustees will be selected in the election.
Residents wishing to vote in the upcoming election should also make sure they are on the voter's list or they will have to register at the polls.
Advanced voter registrations will be accepted at a person's city hall before Sept. 27. Someone who fails to register before then will have to bring two pieces of identification and proof of address in order to register at the polls on voting day.
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The city of Coquitlam is pushing for online voting in municipal elections but the province won't be able to change the Local Government Act ahead of this fall's civic vote.
Lauren Hewson, Coquitlam's chief election officer, said so far the provincial government has indicated that voters will not be able to cast ballots over the internet when they choose their school trustees, councillors and mayors on Nov. 19.
"There are a number of things that would need to be looked at before it would go ahead," Hewson said. "It is not likely to happen soon."
Last winter, the city passed a notice of motion calling on the province to make changes to voting rules in civic elections. Coquitlam is one of four municipalities - including Vancouver, Fort St. John and North Vancouver - that has called on the province to adopt online ballot casting in an effort to increase turnout.
