Provincial Voters List
The provincial voters list is a list of the names and addresses of the registered voters in each electoral district. Your name and address are added to the voters list when you register as a voter with Elections BC.
The voters list helps make sure that only registered voters vote, and that they only vote once. The voters list is also used to produce jury selection lists, and is shared with municipal and federal election administrators.
Elections BC places the highest priority on ensuring the confidentiality of personal information on the provincial voters list. Misuse of the provincial voters list is a serious offence under the Election Act, and may result in a fine of up to $20,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Individuals who believe that the inclusion of their personal information on the voters list could result in personal harm may apply to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to have their record protected. If their request is approved, their name and address will not appear on any printed list. These voters will be advised in writing of how they may vote without disclosing their residential address.
Accessing the voters list
Under the Election Act, registered political parties, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), candidates, and recall proponents are allowed access to the voters list.
MLAs and registered political parties can request copies of the voters list at any time. Requests must be in writing and directed to the Director of Voter Registration and Boundaries. A fee is charged for the list to help recover the cost of producing it.
A list for MLAs and registered political parties is produced twice a year, and is provided at a nominal fee.
In an election, each candidate receives one copy of the voters list on a CD from their District Registrar of Voters. If a candidate is unable to use an electronic copy, the District Registrar of Voters must give them a printed copy. Candidates only receive the voters list for the electoral district where they are a candidate. On Return Day of the election (the 50th day after the writs are issued), candidates must destroy their copy of the voters list.
Recall proponents are provided with a copy of the voters list when their recall petition is issued. Like candidates, recall proponents only receive the voters list for their electoral district.
