FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is gearing up for the 2026 general local election on October 17 and encourages candidates and voters to do the same. Resources are available on the City website to help residents prepare for the big day.
In B.C., general local elections for mayor, councillors, electoral area directors, and school trustees are held every four years on the third Saturday of October. Through general local elections, residents and non-resident property electors select a mayor, eight councillors, and five school trustees who will make decisions and govern on their behalf by casting their ballots.
For candidates
Individuals are eligible to run for office if they are 18 years of age or older on general voting day, a Canadian citizen, a resident of B.C. for at least six months before submitting nomination papers, and are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, Community Charter, Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, or any other law.
Nomination packages are available now on the City website or on the 5th floor of City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard. Packages contain all the necessary documents and information prospective candidates need to begin their nomination process before their name can be listed on the ballot. Submissions may be delivered by hand, mail, courier, fax, or email by September 11 at 4 p.m.
The City is hosting a free candidate information session on August 27 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall for individuals interested in tossing their hats into the ring. The session will cover candidate eligibility, completing and filing nomination documents, the nomination deposit, key election deadlines, public inspection and privacy requirements, election signage, and what candidates can expect after filing their nomination.
The campaign period begins on September 19 and ends on general voting day. Get more information about running for council on the City website, including a detailed list of deadlines for candidates and campaign resources.
For voters
Individuals can vote in the municipal election if they are 18 years of age or older on general voting day, a Canadian citizen, a resident of B.C. for at least six months, and either live in Prince George or own property in city limits. The City offers several different ways to vote:
- By mail. Voting by mail is available to all residents and non-resident property electors by request. Requests for mail ballots will be accepted until October 15 and can be made online or in person at City Hall. Mail ballots must be received by the chief election officer at City Hall (1100 Patricia Boulevard) before 8 p.m. on October 17 or they will not be counted.
- Advanced voting. There are four advanced voting opportunities at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre (808 Canada Games Way) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 7, 8, 14, and 15.
- General voting day. There are eight voting locations available on October 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for individuals to choose from.
All voting locations are fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges and/or assistive devices. Voters who need help during the voting process may have another person assist them. Support can include translation, mobility assistance, or help marking the ballot. Anyone who assists a voter will be required to complete a form at the voting place. If a voter does not have someone who can accompany them, they may request assistance from an election official.
The Prince George Conference and Civic Centre voting location offers additional accessibility features including curbside voting and an AutoMARK ballot marking device at all advanced voting days and on general voting day. AutoMARK assists voters with vision loss, limited dexterity, or anyone who would benefit from accessible voting technology. It offers touchscreen voting, an audio ballot with headphones, a braille keypad, rocker paddle and sip-and-puff options, and adjustable text size and contrast.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with election news by signing up for e-newsletters. Voters can learn more about how to get involved this fall and test their election knowledge on the City website for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the local business of their choosing.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca