Filipino-Canadian Voter’s Guide: What you need to know before B.C.’s October 17 Local Elections

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 16, 2026

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Filipino-Canadians preparing to participate in British Columbia’s 2026 general local elections have until Saturday, October 17, to get ready to cast their ballots, with voters across the province set to choose representatives who will make decisions affecting their cities, neighbourhoods, and public schools.

The elections will determine municipal mayors, councillors, school board trustees, and other local representatives, depending on the jurisdiction. Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on October 17, according to the British Columbia government.

For eligible Filipino-Canadian voters, understanding citizenship requirements, voter registration, identification rules, and polling locations is essential before heading to the polls.

Who can vote in the 2026 B.C. local elections?

Filipino-Canadians who have acquired Canadian citizenship may be eligible to vote, provided they meet the province’s other requirements.

According to the B.C. government, a resident elector must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old by general voting day, have lived in British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registering, and be a resident of the municipality or electoral area where they intend to vote. They must also not be legally disqualified from voting.

Canadian citizenship is mandatory. Filipino immigrants who are permanent residents, international students, or temporary foreign workers cannot vote solely on the basis of their immigration status, even if they have lived or worked in Canada for several years.

Eligible residents do not need to own a house or property to vote. Renters can participate as long as they meet the voting requirements.

Canadian citizens who live outside a municipality but own qualifying property there may also be eligible under separate non-resident property elector rules, which include property ownership and registration requirements.

Do voters need to register before Election Day?

Voters who are not already on their municipality’s voters list may be able to register when they arrive at a voting location.

The B.C. government allows local governments to use different voter registration arrangements, including the provincial voters list, locally maintained lists, and voting-day registration.

In Vancouver, eligible voters who are not registered can register at a voting place by presenting the required identification. Surrey also allows eligible voters who are not on its voters list to register when they vote.

Because procedures can differ by municipality, voters are advised to check their local election office’s instructions rather than assume their provincial voter registration automatically covers every local election.

What identification should Filipino-Canadian voters bring?

For voters registering in person, the general B.C. local election requirement is two pieces of identification establishing their identity and residence. At least one must contain their signature.

Accepted documents may include a B.C. driver’s licence, BC Services Card, Canadian passport, citizenship document, bank or credit card, property tax notice, or utility bill, subject to the municipality’s accepted identification rules.

In Vancouver, both pieces must show the voter’s name, at least one must establish their address, and one must include a signature. Voters who lack identification meeting the regular requirements may have options involving solemn declarations.

Surrey advises registered voters to bring their voter card and one piece of acceptable identification. Unregistered voters must provide two pieces.

Voters should check their municipality’s official requirements before leaving home, particularly if their current address differs from the address shown on their identification.

Where and when can voters cast their ballots?

The main voting day is Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Advance voting schedules, however, are not identical across British Columbia.

In Vancouver, advance voting was scheduled for October 3, 7, 10, and 13. Eligible voters can cast ballots at any of the city’s designated voting locations on October 17.

Surrey scheduled advance voting for October 7, 10, 14, and 15, with voting available at 10 designated advance locations. On general voting day, Surrey residents can choose among 52 polling locations across the city.

Voters in Richmond, Burnaby, North Vancouver, and other municipalities should consult their respective election offices for the correct voting places and local procedures.

For those who cannot vote in person, mail voting is available in some municipalities, subject to application and ballot-return deadlines. As Election Day approaches, voters who have already received mail ballots should confirm the deadline and approved method for returning them.

What positions are being contested?

The offices on the ballot depend on the city or local government area.

In Vancouver, voters will elect one mayor, 10 city councillors, seven Park Board commissioners, and nine school board trustees. The city’s ballot also includes questions concerning capital borrowing and two plebiscite questions.

In Surrey, voters will select one mayor, eight city councillors, and six school trustees.

Local elected officials make decisions on matters such as municipal services, community facilities, local infrastructure, and public school governance. Their responsibilities differ from those of provincial and federal representatives.

Before voting, residents can review official candidate lists and published platforms to understand the positions of those seeking office.

Language assistance is available in Vancouver

Filipino-Canadian voters who are more comfortable receiving election information in Filipino can access the City of Vancouver’s official voter information pamphlet in Tagalog.

Vancouver also offers on-demand interpretation in more than 240 languages and accessibility measures, including assistance with marking ballots and accessible voting equipment.

Voters in other municipalities should contact their election office to determine which language assistance and accessibility services are available.

Make your vote count

For Filipino-Canadian communities across British Columbia, the upcoming local elections provide an opportunity for eligible voters to participate in decisions affecting the places where they live, work, and raise their families.

Whether voting for the first time as a naturalized Canadian citizen or participating in another municipal election, residents can prepare by checking their eligibility, confirming their voting location, and reviewing the candidates and issues on their local ballot.

With Election Day set for October 17, the final reminder is straightforward: know your candidates, understand your voting rights, and arrive prepared.

Our community. Our voice. Our future. Make your vote count.