Information for Voters

Who is being elected?

On September 23, 2017, eligible Saanich voters will elect:

  • One Councillor

Advance voting opportunities 

  • Wednesday, September 13, 2017: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue
  • Monday, September 18, 2017: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue

General voting day 

Saturday, September 23, 2017; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

    • Cedar Hill Recreation Centre; 3220 Cedar Hill Road
    • Gordon Head Recreation Centre; 4100 Lambrick Park Way
    • G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre; 3100 Tillicum Road
    • Saanich Commonwealth Place; 4636 Elk Lake Road

Do you have the required identification?

Who can vote?

You can vote in the District of Saanich by-election if you live within the District of Saanich, or you are a non-resident property elector (you own property in Saanich but live elsewhere in BC).

You must:

  • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day, September 23, 2017 (born on or before September 23, 1999);
  • be a Canadian citizen;
  • have been a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day you register to vote;
  • have lived in Saanich, or have owned real property registered in your name in the District of Saanich, for at least 30 days immediately before the day you register to vote; and
  • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

What is the voters list?

The voters list is a list of persons who are eligible to vote in the 2017 by-election.  If you voted in the last Municipal, Provincial or Federal election, you are likely on the voters list.  The District of Saanich uses the Provincial Voters List as its list of registered electors.

Do I have to be on the voters list in order to vote?

No.  You may register at the voting location if you meet the elector qualifications.  In this case, identification is required.

What are the identification requirements to register to vote?

If you are already registered to vote, there is no ID requirement at the time of voting.

If you are not already registered to vote, the following ID requirements must be met when registering at the time of voting:

  • At least two pieces of ID must be shown that provides evidence of the person's identity and place of residence, at least one of which must contain the person's signature; OR
  • at least two pieces of ID must be shown that provides evidence of the person's identity with at least one of which must contain the person's signature and the person must make a solemn declaration as to their place of residence.

 What identification should I bring?

The following are examples of acceptable identification documents:

  • BC Drivers Licence
  • BC Identification Card (BCID)
  • BC Services Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Certificate of Indian Status as Issued by the Government of Canada
  • Canadian Passport
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Old Age Security Identification Card
  • Canadian Forces Identification
  • Property Tax Notice from the District of Saanich
  • Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits
  • BC Government cheque
  • Income Tax Assessment Notice
  • Canada Child Tax Benefit Statement
  • Bank/credit card statement issued by a Canadian bank or credit union
  • Utility Bill
  • Student card issued by the University of Victoria, Camosun College or Royal Roads University
  • Library Card issued by the Greater Victoria Public Library

Can I vote in Saanich if I live elsewhere but own property in Saanich?

Yes.  People who are not residents of the District of Saanich may vote if they own property in the District of Saanich and qualify as a non-resident property elector.

Do I qualify as a non-resident property elector?

To vote as a non-resident property elector, you must meet all of these requirements:

  • You are not entitled to register as a resident elector in the District of Saanich;
  • You are not registered as a non-resident property elector in relation to any other parcel of property in the District of Saanich;
  • You are a Canadian citizen;
  • You have been a resident in BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration;
  • You are 18 years or older, or you will be turning 18 on or before the by-election (September 23, 2017);
  • You are not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or are otherwise disqualified by law;
  • You have been a registered owner of property in the District of Saanich for at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration;
  • The only persons who are registered owners of the property are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or other trust; and
  • You have received the written consent of the majority of registered owners for the property, authorizing you to be registered as the non-resident property elector for this property (if applicable).

A non-resident property elector may also register at the time of voting.  All of the above qualifications and identification requirements must be met.  Proof of ownership may be established by presenting a 2017 Land Title Certificate or a 2017 Assessment of Property Tax Notice.