The Government of British Columbia is encouraging eligible voters to participate in the local government election process and to vote in local communities on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014.

To support voters, the Voter’s Guide to Local Elections in British Columbia, is now available online at: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/elections_home.htm

The guides are available in English, simplified and traditional Chinese, Punjabi, French and for the first time, Farsi and Korean, and answer basic questions eligible voters might have as they prepare to vote including:

• who can vote
• how to register to vote
• voting as a non-resident property elector
• identification required

The guide also covers advance voting. The required advance voting opportunity for the upcoming general local election is Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, and many jurisdictions hold more than one advance voting opportunity.

In addition to being available online, printed voter's guides are also available through Service BC Centres, and local MLA offices. The voter’s guide is just one of many resources available online.

Important election calendar deadlines and answers to the most commonly asked questions about local government elections are also available by visiting: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/elections_home.htm

On Nov. 15, 2014, voters will elect mayors, councillors, electoral area directors, Islands Trust local trustees, local community and park board commissioners and school trustees. Election results will be available through the Local Elections 2014 link on the CivicInfo BC website at: www.civicinfo.bc.ca/

Quotes:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Coralee Oakes -

British Columbians are fortunate to live in a strong democracy where citizens can participate in local elections freely and fairly. On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I would like to encourage all citizens to participate in local elections, stay informed, be engaged and get involved - whether as a candidate, a campaign volunteer, or a voter. The Voter’s Guide to Local Elections in British Columbia provides useful information to help citizens understand and participate in the local electoral process.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Linda Reimer -

“B.C. citizens can now access online local election guides detailing how to participate in local elections. The guides, available in seven languages, answer a few of the basic questions about local elections in British Columbia and are particularly important for people who are unfamiliar with the voting process.”

Quick Facts:

• Voting places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 15, 2014.
• General local elections will be held on the third Saturday in October every four years following the November 2014 election.

Learn More:

About Local Elections 2014: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/elections_home.htm

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677