Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next provincial general election?
The next provincial general election will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
What are the qualifications to register as a provincial voter in British Columbia?
To qualify as a provincial voter in B.C. you must be:
- a Canadian citizen;
- 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day for the election;
- a resident of the electoral district for which you are electing an MLA;
- a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before General Voting Day for the election; and
- registered as a voter for the electoral district or register as such in conjunction with voting.
Can I register as a provincial voter when I go to the voting place?
Yes, but you’ll need ID. You can bring a B.C. driver’s license, a B.C. ID card or a Certificate of Indian Status if they have your current name and residential address. Otherwise, bring two pieces of ID with your name – one piece of ID must also have your current residential address. For more information, please see the new voter identification and voter vouching requirements.
What electoral district do I live in?
Use the Know Your Electoral District page to look up your electoral district. If you are a student, you can register and vote in either the riding where you reside while going to school, or in the riding you usually live in when you’re not at school. It’s up to you.
Can an eligible voter vote only on election day?
No. A voter for an electoral district who meets the applicable requirements may vote at other times through Other Voting Opportunities.
How do I vote if I will be out of the province during advance voting and General Voting Day?
Request a voting package through our website to vote by mail.
Where can I find information about the parties?
Prior to the start of the offical campaign period for a general election, the Chief Electoral Officer invites all provincially registered political parties to provide a succinct statement (200 words maximum) indicating their party’s platform for the election. The statements of the parties that make submissions to Elections BC and endorse candidates in the election are posted on this website for the duration of the campaign.
How many Members of the Legislative Assembly are there, and what political parties do they represent?
There are 85 electoral districts represented by 85 MLAs. 49 MLAs represent the British Columbia Liberal Party, 35 MLAs represent the BC NDP and there is one independent. Find a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
