If eligible, you may vote in a local election in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) or the Gambier Island Local Trust Area as either a resident elector or as a non-resident property elector – someone who owns property in the jurisdiction but lives somewhere else in BC. This guide answers a few of the basic questions about local government elections in British Columbia.
Am I on the Voter’s List?
The Sunshine Coast Regional District uses the Provincial Voters’ List as its List of Resident Electors. If you have previously registered as a resident elector or non-resident property elector, you will continue to be registered as an elector.
Can I register to vote on voting day?
If you are not on the List of Electors, but qualify to vote, you may register on voting day at your designated voting place.To register at the voting place, you must provide election staff with two pieces of identification (ID). The ID must prove who you are and where you live.
At least one piece must have your signature on it. If your ID does not show your residential address, you can make a “solemn declaration” as to your residency. Acceptable forms of voter identification are set out in the Local Government Elections Regulation as follows:
- British Columbia Driver’s Licence
- BC Identification Card
- BC Services Card (photo or non-photo)
- A document issued by the Government of Canada that certifies registration as an Indian under the federal Indian Act
- Citizenship or membership card from a First Nation
- A citizenship card issued by Métis Nation British Columbia
- ICBC Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence
- BC CareCard or BC Gold CareCard
- Government assistance form (Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) card or confirmation of SIN letter from the Government of Canada
- A Citizenship Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Real property tax notice
- Utility bill issued for the supply of electricity, natural gas, water, telephone, or cable services
- Credit or debit card
How can I register to vote if I own a property in the SCRD but do not live there?
Non-resident property owners may register at the time of voting; however advance registration is encouraged. You may apply to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector prior to August 25, 2026 at the Sunshine Coast Regional District Office, located at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, during regular office hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
You will be asked to provide two pieces of identification and proof that you are the registered owner of the property.
If the property is owned jointly with other individuals, you must also demonstrate – in writing – that you have the consent of the majority of all the owners to vote as the non-resident property elector. An application to register as a non-resident property elector must be completed.
Where do I vote?
Voting place locations will be advertised in local newspapers and posted here, once an election has been declared by the Chief Election Officer. Any inconsistency with the Local Government Act is unintentional and for accuracy, reference should be made to that Act.
Official election notices will be published in the Coast Reporter newspaper.
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