When a person lives in one jurisdiction and owns property in one or more other jurisdictions, they may vote once in each of the other jurisdictions where they own property - as long as they meet the voter eligibility requirements.
A non-resident property elector must:
- Be 18 years of age or older when they register to vote, or 18 years or older on general voting day
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Have been a resident of B. C. for at least six months immediately before they register to vote
- Be the registered owner of real property in the jurisdiction where they intend to vote for at least 30 days immediately before they register to vote;
- Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in local elections or be otherwise disqualified by law.
Only one person is eligible to vote as the non-resident property elector for that property when a person owns a property with one or more other individuals. The owner entitled to vote must be designated, in writing, by the majority of the property owners
A person cannot vote on behalf of a corporation, or as a non-resident property elector, based on a property owned wholly or in part by a corporation.
Non resident property electors must show two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity and eligibility in relation to the property (e.g., property tax notice, certificate of title). If applicable, written consent from the majority of property owners must be provided. Only one owner may register as a non resident property elector. A Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form is available at the District Office or can be requested by email at info@highlands.ca. Original signatures are required.
Voter ineligibility
Resident electors and non-resident property electors are not eligible to vote in a local election if they:
- Have been convicted and sentenced for an indictable offence and are in custody
- Have been found guilty of an election offence, such as intimidation or vote-buying
- Do not otherwise meet voter eligibility requirements