Elections

The Township uses the Provincial Voters List for the list of electors.  If you are not on the list of electors, you may register in advance with Elections BC here: Register to Vote | Elections BC or at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet the qualifications to be registered as follows:

Resident Electors: 

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election; 
• a Canadian citizen; 
• a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; 
• a resident of the Township of Esquimalt on the day of registration; and
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law. 

Resident electors must produce at least 2 pieces of identification that provide evidence of your identity and residency (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. A list of acceptable ID can be found at Elections BC - Voter ID. 

Non-Resident Property Electors: 

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day for the election; 
• a Canadian citizen; 
• a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; 
• a registered owner of real property in the Township of Esquimalt for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; 
• not entitled to register as a resident elector; and 
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

Please note that the title of the property can not be in the name of an individual who is holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust. 

Non-Resident property electors must provide 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove their identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner, written consent from the majority of the property owners. A Non-resident Property Elector Consent Form is available at the Municipal Hall or on the municipal website and can be requested by email at elections@esquimalt.ca.  Original signatures are required. 

If you are thinking of running for local office the following information provided by the Province of BC may help with your decision: Guide - Thinking about running for local office? 

Candidate financial and election advertising rules are listed with Elections BC. Also provided in the link are the following:  Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. For Candidates and their Financial Agents; reference sheets; forms; online training; and information sessions for potential candidates.  

For any questions about the rules for local candidates call 1-800-661-8683 or email electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca .

Mail ballot voting is available to all qualified electors in the 2026 General Local Election. This is an expanded voting option for voters, both resident and non-resident property electors.

This section will be updated with more information regularly.

We are currently accepting applications for Election Officials for the upcoming 2026 General Local Election!

Election Officials are needed to fulfill a variety of important tasks, including but not limited to working as a poll clerk, vote tabulator attendant, or registering new electors to vote. All elections staff must attend a mandatory training session, tentatively scheduled for September 22nd, 2026. Positions are available for the following voting opportunities:

• Advance Voting 1 - October 7, 2026
• Advance Voting 2 - October 14, 2026
• General Voting Day - October 17, 2026

If you are interested in working as an Election Official, please fill in the application and submit it to the Chief Election Officer at elections@esquimalt.ca or drop it off at the Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Road.

Election Official Application Form

If you require or would benefit from assistance filling out or submitting the application, or you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 250-414-7177 or at elections@esquimalt.ca