Elections

Frequently Asked Questions

Voting in the Election

1. Who can vote? 
2. Where can I vote? 
3. Do I need to register to vote before Election Day? 
4. Are there advance opportunities to vote?
5. May I vote by mail? 
6. Do I need identification to vote? 
7. What measures are in place to assist voters with physical disabilities?
8. I am a non-resident property elector.  What documents should I bring with me to the voting place?

More Information

1. Where can I find more information about the candidates?
2. Who do I call if I have questions about the election? 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Voting in the Election

Who can vote?

You are qualified to vote as a “Resident Elector” in the Township of Esquimalt if you meet the following criteria:

1. You are 18 years of age or older on or before general voting day;
2. You are a Canadian citizen;
3. You have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months prior to the day of registration;
4. You have been a resident of the Township of Esquimalt for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and
5. You are not disqualified from voting by any statute or law.

You are qualified to register as a “Non-Resident Property Elector” in the Township of Esquimalt if you meet the following criteria:

1. You are an individual who is, or who will be on general voting day, 18 years of age or older;
2. You are a Canadian citizen;
3. You are a resident of BC for at least six months immediately before the day of registration;
4. You are a registered owner of real property in the Township of Esquimalt for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration;
5. You are not eligible to vote as a resident elector in the Township of Esquimalt;
6. You must only register in relation to one piece of property; and

If more than one person owns the property, only one owner may register and that person must have the written consent of a majority of the other owners. Click here to download a Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form.

^Top

Where can I vote?

All voting, on Election Day and at advance polls, will take place in the Council Chambers at Esquimalt Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt, British Columbia. Polls are open from 8:00am until 8:00pm. 

^Top

Do I need to register to vote before Election Day?

No. Residents of Esquimalt, and non-resident property electors, register at the time they vote. 

^Top

Are there advance opportunities to vote?

Yes. Eligible residents and non-resident property electors voted at an advance poll on November 9, and one more advance poll is scheduled for November 16, 2011, from 8:00am until 8:00pm.

These are the only advance polls conducted by the municipality, and there are no mobile polls.

^Top

May I vote by mail?

No. Mail ballot voting is not an option for Esquimalt electors. 

^Top

Do I need identification to vote?

Yes. To vote, you will need to show at least two pieces of ID that provide evidence of your place of residence. At least one piece of ID must contain your signature.

If your ID does not prove your place of residence, you will be directed to a “Special Services Desk”, where you will be asked to swear a solemn declaration to prove where you live before receiving a ballot.

Acceptable identification includes, but is not limited to:

• BC Driver’s License
• BC Care Card or BC Gold Care Card
• Credit Cards or Debit Cards
• Property Tax Notice or Utility Bill
• Canadian Passport
• Certificate of Vehicle Insurance
• BC ID Card
• Birth Certificate
• Canadian Citizenship Card 

^Top

What measures are in place to assist voters with physical disabilities?

If you come to the voting place but are unable to enter because of physical disability or impaired mobility, an election official can attend to you at your vehicle with a ballot. This is commonly referred to as “curb site voting”.

If you have difficulty marking a ballot due to physical disability or difficulties with reading or writing, an election official or a person accompanying you may assist. That person must make a solemn declaration that they will preserve the secrecy of the ballot, mark the ballot in accordance with your wishes, and not attempt to influence you as to how you should vote. 

^Top

I am a non-resident property elector.  What documents should I bring with me to the voting place?

If you own real property in Esquimalt, and you do not live in the municipality, you may be eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector.  To vote, you must provide two pieces of  identification that prove your identity and residence, and you will need to demonstrate proof of ownership.  To do so, we ask that you bring documentation such as a copy of your property tax notice, a copy of your most recent assessment, or a copy of your land title certificate. 

If your property is co-owned with one or more other people, you must obtain written consent from the majority of other owners before you can vote, and you must bring that consent with you to the voting place.  Only one person can vote in relation to a given property. Click here to download a Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form.

Please note that companies and corporations are not eligible to vote. 

More Information

Where can I find more information about the candidates?

Candidates are completely responsible for their own campaigns, and they choose to make their information available in any number of ways.  This may include, but is certainly not limited to, information in local newspapers, information posted on the Internet, and brochures and flyers.

Who do I call if I have questions about the election?

If you require any additional information about the 2011 Esquimalt Election, please send an e-mail, or phone:

Anja Nurvo, Chief Election Officer: 250-414-7135.
Marlene Lagoa, Deputy Chief Election Officer: 250-414-7114.

^Top