FAQs

What are the penalties for not following election laws?

Anyone who commits an election offence, such as voting more than once or signing a false statement, is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.
Anyone convicted of a more serious election offence, such as vote buying or intimidation could be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 and two years in prison.
They may also be prohibited from holding office and voting in local government elections for up to six years.

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Election FAQs

In order to vote, a person must be:

18 years old or older; and
A Canadian citizen; and
A resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration, and
A resident of the City of Nelson OR an owner of property in the City of Nelson at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and.
Must not be disqualified by any enactment from voting in a Local Government Election or otherwise disqualified by law (currently incarcerated or having been convicted of election offenses).

A person is a resident of the municipality where the person lives. To answer the question, "Where do I live?" refer first to the address given on the driver’s license and on Income tax statements. It is also the place where one would register minor children for school.
A person may not be resident in more than one municipality at a time.
A person does not cease to be a resident by leaving for temporary purposes (ie. vacation, school).
A resident does not have to own property. A resident may be a renter.

A person is a non-resident property elector if they do not live in the municipality but instead own property in the municipality.

4. What if I own my property with other people?: Only one of the owners may vote on behalf of the property as a Non-resident property elector. If the property is owned by more than one person, the majority of owners have to decide which of them wilt be voting on behalf of the property and complete the Consent form.

5. Why do non-resident property electors need to provide a copy of their land title?: The land title proves both ownership and identifies how many people are on title. If there are more than one person on title, a written consent is required to designate one of the owners as the voter.

7. Can people living on First Nation/lndian lands vote?: Yes, if the requirements of a resident or non-resident elector are met.

9. If a person owns more than one property, can they vote once for each property?: No. No person may vote more than one time in any election.

10. Is there a corporate vote? (i.e. Can someone vote in the name of the business they own or for property owned by a corporation?): No. Only people can vote.

Anyone who commits an election offence, such as voting more than once or signing a false statement, is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.
Anyone convicted of a more serious election offence, such as vote buying or intimidation could be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 and two years in prison.
They may also be prohibited from holding office and voting in local government elections for up to six years.

The police are responsible for investigating alleged election offences, and the Courts are responsible for adjudicating allegations, making decisions and imposing penalties.
The Chief Election Officer has limited authority to enforce election rules, such as the authority to challenge the nomination of a candidate or the eligibility of an elector in the Courts, and to maintain order at voting places. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties.

13. Can I have a translator help me vote?: Yes. The person translating for you must sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

Yes. If you need assistance, an election official may assist you to vote. If you are caring for someone (e.g. a child or elderly relative) at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you.
Anyone providing assistance to another elector is required to sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

15. Am I allowed to assist someone to vote who has a physical disability or other difficulty?: Yes. You must sign a written statement and also sign a solemn declaration in order to assist someone to vote. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

16. What can I do if I believe someone has committed an election offence?: If you believe someone has committed an election offence, contact your local police. The police are responsible for conducting an investigation and recommending to Crown counsel whether charges should be laid. Election offences are prosecuted through the judicial system. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences.