City council appoints elections officers for the 2026 general local election

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The city council has appointed elections officers for the upcoming 2026 general local election. 

At the recent June 8th Fort St. John city council meeting, the council appointed the city’s corporate officer, Bonnie McCue, as the chief election officer, while Christina Brace, deputy corporate officer, was appointed as deputy chief election officer. 

This includes any assent voting proceedings as well. 

McCue will also be authorized to appoint additional election officials to conduct the election and any assent voting, in accordance with the Local Government Act. 

According to the report, the chief election officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the election, including appointing election officials, establishing voting opportunities, administering candidate nominations and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation. 

This year, the general local election has been scheduled for Saturday, October 17th, 2026. 

City staff said although initial preparations have been done to support the upcoming election, the formal appointment of the elections officers is required to carry out statutory responsibilities.

The city will be holding a referendum to seek approval for a proposed borrowing initiative for the new aquatics facility, which will be held alongside the election. 

After the appointment of the officers, the city will continue election planning and administrative activities, including confirming voting opportunities, preparing materials, coordinating staffing and ensuring legislative compliance. 

The city staff said preliminary administrative preparations are underway, including a review of election procedures and coordination of internal requirements. 

The city’s approved operating budget will fund the upcoming elections, including any assent voting proceedings. 

Nomination period begins on September 1st, and the campaign period starts on September 19th. 

To read the full report, see below.