Shape Your City by Voting on Saturday, November 15
Local elections in British Columbia are taking place this November. It’s a time for you, as a resident and/or property owner, to determine who will make the decisions about the city where you live, learn, work and play for another three-year term.
Nominations closed on October 10, and the list of candidates has now been announced for the offices of City Mayor, City Council, School Trustee and (in Vancouver) Park Board Commissioners. You can find a profile for each candidate on the Election 2014 website. Candidate biographies will also be published in your local newspaper and distributed to residents.
The elected candidates will represent your voice in how you would like to see your community evolve. From approving new commercial and residential developments to maintaining the parks and public spaces around you, the individuals that you vote for determine outcomes that impact your everyday life. More specifically, the council in your respective city has the authority to pass bylaws to regulate land use, approve expenditures, buy and sell property, and give grants. Each candidate, and the political party they are part of, has a set vision and goals that shape how they make decisions and prioritize community projects. For instance, in Vancouver, there are six candidate parties for this year’s election:
- Vision Vancouver
- NPA (Non-Parties Association)
- Green Party
- COPE (Coalition of Progressive Electors)
- OneCity
- Cedar Party
While you get to know your candidates and the parties they represent, be sure to confirm the following before November 1st:
- Check that you are a registered voter by visiting your respective city website or call Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683:
- Check at which poll stations you are eligible to vote
- Check which days prior to November 15th are open for advance voting as this will help reduce line-ups on Elections Day
Lastly, plan ahead to vote and block off time in your schedule. It’s an important part of our democratic society that you have a say in your neighbourhood by electing the candidate that you feel best represents your interests.
