Today (Aug. 30) marks the first official step on the path towards the 2022 municipal election — set for Oct. 15.
Candidate nomination periods officially opened at 9 a.m. this morning in every Tri-City community, allowing those wishing to run for their respective city council or School District 43's (SD43) board of education to formally submit an application.
Interested candidates must fill out a form and bring the paperwork in-person to city hall.
The deadline to complete a nomination package is 4 p.m. on Sept. 9.
So, what does this mean for the voters?
Well, it means, in less than two weeks, we'll soon have a finalized list of who will be running for civic office in Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
As of this publication, several dozen candidates are expected to file soon with their respective chief election officer as many have already publicly announced their intentions to put their name on the 2022 ballot, including aspiring and incumbent politicians.
If you're eligible to vote, you have three ways to cast your ballot during the 2022 campaign period:
- Mail ballot – eligible voters must fill out an online application form or apply in-person at their respective city halls to receive a mail ballot, and completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer before Oct. 15.
- Advance polls – Various locations dependng on community
- General Voting Day – Polls will be open on Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at various location
You'll be able to vote for one mayor, and as many councillors and school trustees as allowed per municipality.
If you wish to seek a nomination for a civic position, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be 18 years of age or older on election day (Oct. 15)
- Be a B.C. resident for at least six months immediately before the day you file your nomination papers
- Must not be disqualified by the Local Government Act from voting in a B.C. election or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office
You can click on the following links to find more information:
