Here are three alternative ways to vote in the B.C. election if you can’t cast a ballot on election day
In 2020, for the first time on record, more British Columbians voted before election day than they did on the big day.
This was likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic that was underway at the time, with a total voter turnout of only 54 per cent.
It remains to be seen after the election whether this trend continues and whether voters (Canadian citizens aged 18 and over who have lived in B.C. since April 18) decide again to vote overwhelmingly in advance. A higher voter turnout is expected because the pandemic has passed.
You will need a B.C. driver’s licence, B.C. identification card, health services card or Certificate of Indian Status. You can also show two documents with your name on it and your current home address or another person can vouch for you.
If you don’t have a permanent address you can use the address of a social services agency.
Here are three options for anyone who cannot cast their ballot on election day.
Mail it in
While the votes from advance polls are counted on election night along with ballots cast that day, mail-in ballots are processed and counted in the weeks following the election. That means the outcome of many races — possibly the election — can be delayed.
Vote in advance
Select polling stations in ridings are open between Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 15-16 so that advance votes can be cast.
You don’t need to say why you want to vote in advance, it is an option for all voters.
Vote at your district electoral office
Each of B.C.’s ridings has a district office that has been open to voters since the official campaign period began on Sept. 21.
You can go to one of these offices any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays to cast your vote.
During days allocated for advance polling, voters can also cast a vote at these locations between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Note that these district electoral offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Monday Oct. 14.