Who Can Vote
Do you live in the Town of Gibsons?
Some people living in the rural areas of the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s “Elphinstone – Area E” and “West Howe Sound – Area F” have “Gibsons, BC” in their mailing address. This can make knowing where to go to vote confusing.
If you are unsure about whether you live in the Town of Gibsons or within an SCRD Area, please check the Map of Gibsons to see if your property lies within the Town of Gibsons’ boundaries, or is in one of the Rural Areas.
Reed Road Residents
If you live on Reed Road and your house number is an even number, you live in either Elphinstone or West Howe Sound (i.e. NOT the Town of Gibsons). If your address is an odd number and higher than 1009, you also live in the SCRD and not the Town of Gibsons.
Electoral information for residents of the Rural areas is available on the SCRD’s website.
Can you vote in the Town of Gibsons?
Notice of Advance Registration, Elector Qualifications and List of Registered Electors
There are two types of electors in the Town of Gibsons, “Resident” and “Non-Resident”.
- “Resident Electors” are those individuals who live within the Town of Gibsons.
- “Non-Resident Property Electors” are those individuals who own real property in the Town of Gibsons but live elsewhere.
- are a Canadian citizen; and
- are 18 years of age or more on general voting day; and
- have lived in BC for at least 6 months before you register to vote; and
- have lived in the Town of Gibsons for 30 days or more before you register to vote; and
- are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local election.
- are not a resident in the Town of Gibsons; and
- are a Canadian citizen; and
- are 18 years of age or more on general voting day; and
- have lived in BC for at least 6 months before you register to vote; and
- are the registered owner of property in the Town of Gibsons for at least 30 days before you register to vote; and
- are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local election.
Corporations, businesses and permanent residents of Canada (landed immigrants) who have not yet become Canadian Citizens are not permitted to vote.
Are YOU on the Voters List?
The Town of Gibsons receives its Voters List from Elections BC. If you were listed on the most recent Provincial Voters List, you should be on the Town’s Voters List.
Voting Day Registration
If you are not on the Town’s Voters List, but qualify to vote, you can still register to vote at the Poll Station on General Voting Day, or one of the two Advance Voting Days. You must provide two pieces of identification that prove who you are and where you live. At least one piece must have your signature. If your ID does not show your address, you can make a “solemn declaration” as to your residency.
Examples of acceptable forms of identification include:
- BC Driver’s Licence
- Social Insurance Card
- Car Insurance
- BC ID Card
- Utility Bill
- Rent Receipt
- Property Tax Notice
- Credit Card or Debit Card
- BC Care Card
- Student Card
Non-resident Property Owners Registration to Vote
Non-resident property owners may also register at the time of voting; however advance registration is encouraged.
You can apply to register as a Non-Resident Property Elector at the Town of Gibsons, during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
You will be asked to provide two pieces of identification and proof that you are the registered owner of the property. If the property is owned jointly with other individuals, you must also have the written consent of the majority of all the owners to vote as the non-resident property elector.
You must complete an Application for Registration as Non-resident Property Elector. We strongly recommend you download the application and consent form and complete it in advance to ensure you have all the information and signatures you need to qualify to vote.
