Voter Toolkit

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 | 1:40 PM PT

CBC News

When is the election?

• British Columbia's 39th provincial general election is Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time (9 a.m. to 9 a.m. in areas using Mountain Time).

Who can vote?

In order to vote, an individual must:

• Be a Canadian citizen.
• Be 18 or older on the general voting day of the election.
• Be a resident of his or her electoral district.
• Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before the general voting day of the election.
• Be registered as a voter in his or her electoral district or register as such on voting day.
• Not be disqualified from voting by any provisions of the Election Act or any other law.

How do I register?

• Before April 22, you can register online with Elections BC.
• You can also register by phone at 1-800-661-8683 or download the application for registration as a provincial voter on the Elections BC site, complete it and send in by fax, mail or email.
• After April 22, you can register at the same time as you vote. This is called registration in conjunction with voting. You will be asked to complete an application and provide two pieces of personal identification showing, in combination, your name, current residential address and signature.

How do I confirm I am already registered?

• You can confirm your registration online at Elections BC

Do I need to bring identification when I vote?

Yes. Voters must prove their identity and residential address when they go to vote in one of the following ways:

• A government document, issued either by B.C. or by Canada, that contains the voter's name, photograph and residential address, such as a B.C. driver's licence or a B.C. Identification Card.
• A Certificate of Indian Status.
• Two documents that contain the voter's name, at least one of which must also contain the voter's residential address.
• A qualified person who vouches for the voter. Those vouching for someone must fulfill the requirements described on the Elections BC site.

How do I vote if I will be away on Election Day?

• Advance voting is available to any voter between May 6 and May 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
• Voters who are unable to attend their assigned voting place on general voting day or the advance voting location in their electoral district of residence, may vote at any other voting place in the province.
• Alternative arrangements are possible for those with special circumstances who cannot attend either of the above. Contact Elections BC.

What riding do I vote in?

• You can find your riding on the Elections BC website.

Where do I vote?

• Elections BC will notify registered voters of the location of their local polling station by mail and through newspaper advertisements.

What is the referendum about?

• Voters will also get a second ballot asking them if they want British Columbia to adopt a new proportional representation system called single transferable vote, or BC-STV.

Where can I get more information?

• Elections BC