2026 General Local Elections
General local elections in B.C. are held every four years on the third Saturday in October. Our next general local election will be held on October 17, 2026.
General local elections are the most direct way for the public to influence their local government, school district or local governance body by determining the individuals who then make decisions and govern on their behalf following general voting day.
In Summerland, the following positions are elected:
~ 1 Mayor
~ 6 District councillors
~ 2 school trustees
Voter Information
Check Elections BC for details on who can vote and to:
~ Register to vote if you are 18 years or older
~ Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address
~ Register for the List of Future Voters if you are 16 or 17 years old
For details on voter eligibility, voting opportunities and dates, identification requirements, and voting locations, click here.
Register to vote on the Provincial Voter's list
Running for Office
For information on running for office, the nomination process, campaign financing, and candidate resources and forms.
Working the Election
Interested in working as an election official for the 2026 general local election? In this role you will help set up voting stations, guide voters through the process, verify voter information, and support smooth election day operations. This is a paid position that includes a two hour training session that election officials must attend at the beginning of October and availability to work General Voting Day (October 17, 2026) and two Advanced Voting Days (TBD). Election Official applications will be posted here late August/early September - please check back!
Legislation and Bylaws
Provincial Legislation:
District Election-Related Bylaws:
To view the bylaw on Campaign Signs, see section 4.8.
Where and When to Vote
General voting day is usually the most publicized or widely-known voting opportunity resident and non-resident property electors have to cast their ballot in a local election. Advance voting opportunities are also available for those who may not otherwise be able to vote on general voting day.
General Voting Day - October 17, 2026
General voting day is on October 17, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time at the Summerland Arena Banquet Room located at 8820 Jubilee Road E.
Advance Voting - October 7, 2026
Advanced Voting takes place before general voting day and is open to all eligible voters. You do not need a special reason to vote early. Dates and locations will be posted once they are confirmed.
Special Voting - Details TBD
Special voting opportunities may be held in any location – inside or outside the local government boundary – to provide eligible electors who may not otherwise be able to attend a voting place an opportunity to cast their ballots during a local election.
Special voting opportunities are generally held in hospitals, long-term care facilities or other locations where electors’ mobility may be impaired. Only designated electors are eligible to vote at special voting opportunities. Local governments may set out the specific dates, times and locations where special voting will take place during an election in their election bylaws.
The District of Summerland will be arranging a special voting opportunities in accordance with the Local Government Act and the Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 2018-017.
Key Dates
Questions?
Contact the Election Office:
Phone: 250-404-4037
Email: elections@summerland.ca
Election Office
2nd Floor, Municipal Hall
13211 Henry Ave
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z5