Elections BC releases info about 2026 General Election

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The pre-campaign period for the 2026 General Election in B.C. has begun as of July 20. 

According to Elections BC, the general election will involve individuals running across B.C. for mayoral and municipal councillor positions, regional district director positions, school board trustee positions, some park board positions, local community commission positions and the Island Trust. 

“Unlike provincial elections, local elections are not managed by one organization,” Elections BC’s website stated. 

“Each local government is responsible for running its own local elections, including voting, counting, reporting results, and accepting candidate nominations. Elections BC is responsible for administering the campaign financing and election advertising rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.”

During the pre-campaign period of the election, election advertisements can be issued to the public, as long as they include an authorization statement “with appropriate contact information.” 

Campaign contributions, which can include anything of value, be it monetary or in-kind services, are limited to $1,429.70 during the 2026 election, according to Elections BC. 

Information sessions for prospective candidates interested in running for local government positions have been announced by various government organizations, including the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the City of Fort St. John and the District of Tumbler Ridge. 

The nomination period begins on Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 11, with the campaign period running from Sept. 19 to voting day, Oct. 17. 

Elector organizations have until July 31 to register with Elections BC, and voters have until Aug. 18 to register to vote. Voters can still register with their local government after this deadline and prior to voting day. 

During the election period, Elections BC will be closed on Sept. 7, Sept. 30 and Oct. 12 for Labour Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Thanksgiving Day.