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Part 3 — Electors and Elections
33 In this Part:
"additional advance voting opportunity" means a voting opportunity under section 98;
"additional general voting opportunity" means a voting opportunity under section 96;
"advance voting opportunity" means a required advance voting opportunity or an additional advance voting opportunity;
"candidate" means
(a) a person who is declared to be a candidate under section 74 [declaration of candidates], and
(b) for the purposes of Division 8 [Campaign Financing], includes a person who accepts campaign contributions or incurs election expenses with the intention of
(i) becoming a candidate in an election, or
(ii) seeking the endorsement of an elector organization for an election;
"candidate representative" means an official agent or a scrutineer appointed under section 81;
"election" means an election for the number of persons required to fill a local government office;
"election proceedings" means nomination, voting or counting proceedings under this Part;
"elector organization" means an organization that endorses a candidate under section 79;
"endorse" means, in relation to an elector organization, endorsement under section 79 [ballot showing candidate endorsement by elector organization];
"financial agent" means a financial agent under section 85 [financial agent required for candidates, elector organizations and campaign organizers];
"general voting" means voting proceedings at required general voting opportunities and additional general voting opportunities and, if applicable, those proceedings as adjourned under section 47;
"judicial recount" means a judicial recount under Division 14 of this Part;
"jurisdiction" means, in relation to an election, the municipality or regional district electoral area for which the election is held;
"neighbourhood constituency" means a neighbourhood constituency established under section 36.1;
"nomination documents" means the documents required by section 72 (1) and (2);
"nomination period" means the period referred to in section 69 or, if applicable, as extended by an adjournment under section 47;
"presiding election official" means, in relation to election proceedings, the chief election officer or the election official appointed under section 41 (3) (a) to act as presiding election official for those proceedings;
"required advance voting opportunity" means a voting opportunity under section 97;
"required general voting opportunity" means a voting opportunity on general voting day at a voting place under section 95;
"residential address" includes an indication of the area in which a person lives if no other specific designation is reasonably available;
"solemn declaration" means a declaration on oath or by solemn affirmation in accordance with section 45;
"special voting opportunity" means a voting opportunity under section 99;
"voting compartment" means an area described in section 113 (3);
"voting day" means the general voting day for an election, a day on which an advance voting opportunity for the election is offered or a day on which a special voting opportunity for the election is offered;
"voting hours" means the time during which voting is permitted on a voting day;
"voting opportunity" means an opportunity referred to in section 94 for some or all electors of a jurisdiction to vote in an election for the jurisdiction;
"voting place" means a place where voting proceedings at general voting or an advance voting opportunity are conducted.
34 Section 25 (3) of the Interpretation Act, extending a time period if the time for doing an act falls on a day when a business office is not open during regular business hours, does not apply to a voting day.
35 To the extent of any inconsistency or conflict with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Parts 3 and 4 of this Act apply despite that Act.
Division 2 — Arrangements for Elections
36 (1) Elections for the mayor and all councillors of each municipality and elections for the electoral area directors of each regional district, to be known collectively as a general local election, must be held in the year 1993 and in every third year after that.
(2) General voting day for a general local election must be the third Saturday of November in the year of the election.
36.1 (1) Unless a bylaw under subsection (2) applies, every council member must be elected from the municipality at large.
(2) A council may, by bylaw, provide that all or some of the councillors be elected on a neighbourhood constituency basis.
(3) A bylaw under subsection (2) must establish the areas that are to be neighbourhood constituencies and provide for an orderly transition to election on this basis.
(4) The authority under subsection (2) applies despite the letters patent of the municipality, but a bylaw under that subsection must be approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council before it is adopted.
(5) If a neighbourhood constituency is established,
(a) the only persons who may vote as electors of the neighbourhood constituency are
(i) resident electors of the municipality who meet the qualifications of section 50 in relation to the area of the neighbourhood constituency, and
(ii) non-resident property electors of the municipality who meet the qualifications of section 51 in relation to the area of the neighbourhood constituency, and
(b) except as permitted at an additional general voting or a special voting opportunity, the electors of the neighbourhood constituency may only vote on general voting day at the voting places for that neighbourhood constituency.
(6) The notice of election under section 77 for an election on the basis of a neighbourhood constituency must include the following additional information:
(a) the boundaries of the neighbourhood constituency;
(b) the voting place on general voting day for the neighbourhood constituency;
(c) a description of the qualifications established by subsection (5) (a) that entitle an elector to vote for a council member to represent the neighbourhood constituency.
37 (1) Subject to this section, an election must be held to fill a vacancy in an elected local government office that occurs in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the person elected or appointed to the office dies before taking office;
(b) the office is declared vacant on an application under section 143 [application to court], or a candidate affected by the application renounces claim to the office under subsection (9) of that section;
(c) the person holding the office dies;
(d) the person holding the office resigns from office;
(e) the office becomes vacant under Division 7 [Disqualification] of Part 4 of the Community Charter as it applies in relation to that office.
(2) A local government may decide that a by-election is not to be held if the vacancy occurs after July 1 in the year of a general local election that will fill the office.
(3) In addition to the authority under subsection (2), a council may decide that a by- election is not to be held if all the following circumstances apply:
(a) the vacancy occurs after January 1 in the year of a general local election that will fill the office;
(b) the vacancy is not in an office elected on the basis of a neighbourhood constituency;
(c) the number of remaining council members is at least one greater than the quorum for the council, as set under section 129 (1) [quorum for conducting business] of the Community Charter.
(4) As soon as reasonably possible after a vacancy occurs for which an election under this section is to be held, the local government must appoint a chief election officer for the election.
(5) The chief election officer must set a general voting day for the election, which must be on a Saturday no later than 80 days after the date the chief election officer was appointed.
(6) If the number of members of a local government is reduced to less than a quorum, the minister may either
(a) order that the remaining members of the local government constitute a quorum until persons are elected and take office to fill the vacancies, or
(b) appoint qualified persons to fill the vacancies until persons are elected and take office to fill them.
(7) A person elected in a by-election holds office until the end of the term of the office in respect of which the election was held.
38 (1) If an election is not held or a vacant office is not otherwise filled as required under this Act, the minister may
(a) set a general voting day for the election, appoint a chief election officer and otherwise arrange for the election to be conducted, or
(b) order the designated local government officer to arrange for the election to be conducted.
(2) If considered necessary in relation to an election under subsection (1), the minister may make orders to provide for the conduct of the election and for the governing of the municipality or regional district until the candidates elected in that election take office, including orders that provide for exceptions to provisions of this Act and regulations or bylaws under this Act.
(3) The general voting day for an election under this section must be on a Saturday set by the minister or by the chief election officer in accordance with the directions of the minister.
39 (1) Unless otherwise provided, in order for a bylaw under
(a) this Part,
(b) section 551 [regulation of signs and advertising], or
(c) section 8 (4) [fundamental powers – signs and advertising] of the Community Charter
to apply in relation to a general local election, the bylaw must be adopted at least 8 weeks before the first day of the nomination period of the general local election.
(2) Unless otherwise provided, in order for a bylaw referred to in subsection (1) to apply in relation to an election under section 37, the bylaw must be adopted at least 6 weeks before the first day of the nomination period for the election.
40 (1) The costs of an election, including the costs of registration of electors for the election, are the responsibility of the municipality or regional district for which the election is held unless otherwise agreed.
(2) The costs of an election may be shared under an agreement between the local government and another local government, the council of the City of Vancouver or a board of school trustees for the conduct of the election by one party for the other or in conjunction with an election of the other.
(3) A local government that is a party to an agreement under subsection (2) may, by bylaw, provide that the bylaws of the other party respecting elections apply to elections conducted under the agreement.
(4) An agreement referred to in subsection (2) may provide for a party to conduct only some of the election proceedings for or in conjunction with the other party.
(5) An election to which an agreement referred to in subsection (4) applies is valid despite the agreement and any bylaws in relation to it having the effect of creating differences in election proceedings between different parts of the jurisdiction for which an election is held.
(6) Without limiting subsection (4), an agreement referred to in that subsection may allow a local government to restrict the persons who may vote at the election proceedings conducted under the agreement to persons who are entitled to be registered as electors in relation to a specified part of the jurisdiction for which the election is held.
(7) If a restriction under subsection (6) applies, on any day on which an advance voting opportunity conducted under the agreement is open to electors of only part of the jurisdiction, an advance voting opportunity must be open to all electors of the jurisdiction on the same day.
(8) So long as any required advance voting opportunities are provided, no bylaw is necessary for an advance voting opportunity required by subsection (7), and the voting opportunity may be held at the place and for the voting hours established by the chief election officer.
(9) The chief election officer must give notice of a voting opportunity to which subsection (8) applies in any manner the chief election officer considers appropriate, including in the notice the date, place and voting hours for the voting opportunity.
41 (1) For the purposes of conducting an election, the local government must appoint a chief election officer and a deputy chief election officer.
(2) The chief election officer must appoint election officials required for the administration and conduct of the election.
(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the chief election officer must appoint the following:
(a) presiding election officials for election proceedings where the chief election officer is not acting as presiding election official;
(b) election officials to act as alternate presiding election officials for election proceedings;
(c) election officials required to assist the presiding election official at election proceedings.
(4) The chief election officer may delegate the authority under subsection (3) (c) to the presiding election official for the election proceedings.
(5) The chief election officer may appoint peace officers as election officials to assist presiding election officials in fulfilling their duty to maintain peace and order at the election proceedings for which they are responsible.
(6) If an election official is absent or unable to act, a person appointed as deputy chief election officer or appointed under this section as alternate for the official must perform the duties and has the powers of the official.
(7) A candidate, candidate representative or financial agent may not be appointed as an election official.
(8) Before assuming duties, an election official must make a solemn declaration that the person
(a) will faithfully and impartially fulfill the duties of the position to which the election official is appointed,
(b) has not received and will not accept any inducement to perform the duties of the position otherwise than impartially and in accordance with this Act or to otherwise subvert the election,
(c) will preserve the secrecy of the ballot in accordance with section 113, and
(d) is not and will not become a candidate, candidate representative or financial agent while holding the position of an election official.
42 (1) In addition to all other duties established by this Part, the chief election officer must do the following:
(a) ensure that a sufficient number of ballots are prepared for an election by voting;
(b) ensure that each voting place is supplied with sufficient numbers of ballots, ballot boxes and voting books and has an area that may be used as a voting compartment;
(c) take all reasonable precautions to ensure that a person does not vote more than once in an election;
(d) do all other things necessary for the conduct of an election in accordance with this Part and any regulations and bylaws under this Part.
(2) In addition to all other powers given by this Part, the chief election officer may do one or more of the following:
(a) exercise any power conferred on a presiding election official in relation to the election proceedings for which the presiding election official is responsible;
(b) take solemn declarations where these are required by this Part;
(c) as an exception to the restrictions on where an elector may vote when municipal voting divisions are established, authorize an election official to vote at the voting place at which the official is working;
(d) delegate the chief election officer's duties and powers to other election officials, subject to any restrictions or conditions specified by the chief election officer;
(e) apply to the minister for an order under section 155.
43 (1) In addition to other responsibilities established by this Part, a presiding election official for election proceedings must
(a) ensure, so far as possible, that this Part and regulations and bylaws under it are being complied with, and
(b) take all reasonable precautions to keep the ballots and ballot boxes secure from persons not entitled to have access to them.
(2) In addition to other powers conferred by this Part, a presiding election official may
(a) take solemn declarations required by this Part in relation to the election proceedings for which the presiding election official is responsible, and
(b) if section 153 (4) (c) or (d) is being contravened, enter on the property where the materials that are the subject of the contravention are located and remove or cover them or otherwise obscure them from view, or authorize another person to do so.
Division 3 — Election Proceedings Generally
44 (1) If this Part requires notice to be given in accordance with this section, the notice must be given by publication in a newspaper, and for these purposes section 6.4 [how notices must be published in a newspaper] applies.
(2) Notices to which this section applies may be combined as long as the requirements of all applicable sections are met.
45 (1) If this Part requires a solemn declaration to be made, the declaration must be
(a) made on oath or by solemn affirmation,
(b) made before a commissioner for taking affidavits for British Columbia or a person authorized by this Part to take the oath or solemn affirmation, and
(c) signed by the person making the oath or solemn affirmation and by the person before whom it is made.
(2) If a regulation under section 156 applies, the declaration must be made in a form prescribed by the regulation.
46 (1) A presiding election official must maintain peace and order so far as reasonably possible at the election proceedings for which the presiding election official is responsible.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the presiding election official may do one or more of the following:
(a) restrict or regulate the number of persons admitted at any time to the place where the proceedings are being conducted;
(b) order a person to leave the place where the proceedings are being conducted and the immediate vicinity of that place, if the circumstances referred to in subsection (3) (a) to (d) occur;
(c) order the removal of a person ordered to leave if that person does not comply;
(d) require the assistance of peace officers or of persons present at the place where the proceedings are being conducted.
(3) The presiding election official may require a person to provide identification and the person must comply with that requirement if, in the opinion of the presiding election official, that person
(a) is present at a place when not permitted to be present under this Act,
(b) is disturbing the peace and order of the proceedings,
(c) is interfering with the conduct of the proceedings, or
(d) is contravening any provision of this Part or of a regulation or bylaw under this Part.
(4) A person ordered to leave under subsection (2) (b) must leave the place and the immediate vicinity of the place at which the election proceedings are being conducted and must not return while these election proceedings are being conducted unless permitted to do so by the presiding election official.
(5) The authority under subsection (2) must not be used to prevent an elector otherwise entitled to vote at the place from exercising the right to vote.
47 (1) Election proceedings may be adjourned by the presiding election official in accordance with this section if the presiding election official considers that the health or safety of persons is at risk, or that the integrity of the proceedings is at risk.
(2) Election proceedings may be adjourned
(a) temporarily to another time on the same day or another time on the same day at another place specified by the presiding election official, or
(b) to a day, time and place to be set by the chief election officer.
(3) The presiding election official must notify the chief election officer as soon as possible of any adjournment and must follow any directions the chief election officer considers appropriate in the circumstances.
(4) While proceedings are adjourned, the presiding election official must make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the election materials are secured and that the integrity of the election is not compromised.
(5) The presiding election official must give notice to persons affected by an adjournment as directed by the chief election officer or, in the absence of direction, in any manner the official considers appropriate.
(6) Proceedings that are recommenced after an adjournment must continue for such a period that the total time for the proceedings is the same regardless of the adjournment.
(7) If voting proceedings are adjourned, the counting of the vote must not be started until the close of voting at the adjourned proceedings.
48 (1) The provisions of this section are exceptions for allowing persons to exercise their rights under this Part in circumstances where they would otherwise be unable to do so.
(2) If a person is required by this Part to sign a document and is unable to do so, the presiding election official or an election official authorized by the presiding election official may either sign on behalf of the person or have the person make his or her mark and witness that mark.
(3) If a person is required by this Part to make a solemn declaration or to provide information to an election official and requires the assistance of a translator to do this, the presiding election official must permit another person to act as translator so long as that person first makes a solemn declaration that he or she is able to make the translation and will do so to the best of his or her abilities.
(4) The obligation to provide a translator rests with the person who is required to make the solemn declaration or provide the information and, if that person does not provide a translator, that person must be considered to have refused to make the solemn declaration or provide the information.
49 (1) In order to vote at an election for a jurisdiction, a person
(a) must meet the requirements of section 50 (1) (a) to (e) or 51 (1) (a) to (f) at the time of voting,
(b) must not be disqualified by this Act or any other enactment from voting in the election or be otherwise disqualified by law, and
(c) must be registered as an elector of the jurisdiction.
(2) The following persons are disqualified from voting at an election:
(a) a person who has not completed the sentence for an indictable offence, unless the person is released on probation or parole and is not in custody;
(b) a person who is involuntarily confined to a psychiatric or other institution as a result of being acquitted of or found not criminally responsible for an offence under the Criminal Code on account of mental disorder;
(c) a person who is prohibited from voting
(i) under Division 17 of this Part as it applies to elections or voting on any other matter under this or any other Act, or
(ii) under Division 17 of Part I of the Vancouver Charter as it applies to elections or voting on any other matter under that or any other Act;
(d) a person who has contravened section 151 (3) in relation to the election.
(3) For clarification, no corporation is entitled to be registered as an elector or have a representative registered as an elector and no corporation is entitled to vote.
(4) A person must not vote at an election unless entitled to do so.
50 (1) In order to be registered as a resident elector of a jurisdiction, a person must meet all the following requirements on the day of registration:
(a) the person must be an individual who is, or who will be on the general voting day for the jurisdiction, age 18 or older;
(b) the person must be a Canadian citizen;
(c) the person must have been a resident of British Columbia, as determined in accordance with section 52, for at least 6 months immediately before that day;
(d) the person must have been a resident of the jurisdiction, as determined in accordance with section 52, for at least 30 days immediately before that day;
(e) the person must not be disqualified by this Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or be otherwise disqualified by law.
(2) If a municipality is incorporated or the boundaries of a jurisdiction are extended, a person is deemed to have satisfied the requirement of subsection (1) (d) if, for at least 30 days before the person applies for registration as an elector, the person has been a resident, as determined in accordance with section 52, of the area that becomes the municipality or is included in the jurisdiction.
51 (1) In order to be registered as a non-resident property elector of a jurisdiction, a person must meet all the following requirements on the day of registration:
(a) the person must not be entitled to register as a resident elector of the jurisdiction;
(b) the person must be an individual who is, or who will be on the general voting day for the jurisdiction, age 18 or older;
(c) the person must be a Canadian citizen;
(d) the person must have been a resident of British Columbia, as determined in accordance with section 52, for at least 6 months immediately before that day;
(e) the person must have been a registered owner of real property in the jurisdiction for at least 30 days immediately before that day;
(e.1) the only persons who are registered owners of the real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust;
(f) the person must not be disqualified by this Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or be otherwise disqualified by law.
(2) A person may only register as a non-resident property elector in relation to one parcel of real property in a jurisdiction.
(3) If a municipality is incorporated or the boundaries of a jurisdiction are extended, a person is deemed to have satisfied the requirement of subsection (1) (e) if, for at least 30 days before the person applies for registration as a non-resident property elector, the person has been a registered owner of property within the area that becomes the municipality or is included in the jurisdiction.
(4) For the purposes of this section, the registered owner of real property means whichever of the following is applicable:
(a) the owner of a registered estate in fee simple of the property, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraphs (b) to (d);
(b) the holder of the last registered agreement for sale, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraph (c) or (d);
(c) the tenant for life under a registered life interest in the property, unless another person holds an interest in the property referred to in paragraph (d);
(d) the holder of a registered lease of the property for a term of at least 99 years.
(5) If there is more than one individual who is the registered owner of real property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, only one of those individuals may register as a non-resident property elector under this section in relation to the real property.
(6) If the land title registration of the real property in relation to which a person is registering under this section indicates that there is more than one individual who is the registered owner of the real property, the person registering must do so with the written consent of the number of those individuals who, together with the person registering, are a majority of those individuals.
(7) A registered owner who has consented to the registration of another registered owner of the property may withdraw the consent by delivering a written withdrawal to the municipality or regional district.
(8) Once a withdrawal of consent has been delivered in accordance with subsection (7), the person registered as the non-resident property elector in relation to the property ceases to be entitled to be registered and vote as such if the number of individuals referred to in subsection (6) falls below a majority of the registered owners, with this effective
(a) for the next election, in the case of a withdrawal delivered at least 52 days before general voting day for the election, and
(b) following the next election, in the case of a withdrawal delivered less than 52 days before general voting day for the election.
52 (1) The following rules apply to determine the area in which a person is a resident:
(a) a person is a resident of the area where the person lives and to which, whenever absent, the person intends to return;
(b) a person may be the resident of only one area at a time for the purposes of this Part;
(c) a person does not change the area in which the person is a resident until the person has a new area in which the person is a resident;
(d) a person does not cease being a resident of an area by leaving the area for temporary purposes only.
(2) As an exception to subsection (1), if a person establishes for the purposes of attending an educational institution a new area in which the person is a resident that is away from the usual area in which the person is a resident, the person may choose for the purposes of this Part either the usual area or the new area as the area in which the person is a resident.
53 (1) A person may register as an elector
(a) at the time of voting in accordance with section 57 or 57.1, or
(b) by advance registration in accordance with section 56, if this is available.
(2) If a bylaw under section 59 is in effect for a jurisdiction, a person entitled to register as a resident elector of the jurisdiction may effectively register as such by registering as a voter under the Election Act in sufficient time to have the person's name appear on the Provincial list of voters that becomes, under the bylaw, the register of resident electors for the jurisdiction.
54 A local government may, by bylaw, limit registration of electors to registration at the time of voting.
55 (1) An application for registration as an elector must include the following information:
(a) in the case of registration as a resident elector,
(i) the full name of the applicant,
(ii) the residential address of the applicant, and the mailing address if this is different, and
(iii) either the birth date or the last 6 digits of the social insurance number of the applicant;
(b) in the case of registration as a non-resident property elector,
(i) the full name of the applicant,
(ii) the address or legal description of the real property in relation to which the person is registering and the mailing address of the applicant, and
(iii) either the birth date or the last 6 digits of the social insurance number of the applicant;
(c) a declaration that the applicant meets the requirements of section 49 (1) (a) and (b) to be registered as an elector;
(d) any other information required by regulation under section 156 to be included.
(2) An application must
(a) be signed by the applicant and by a witness to the signature of the applicant, and
(b) include the residential address of the witness, if this is not a person authorized by the chief election officer or by the designated local government officer.
(3) For the purpose of subsection (1), an address of an applicant that indicates the area in which the applicant is resident within the meaning of section 52 is sufficient if, in the opinion of the person authorized to receive the application, it indicates the location for the purpose of determining whether the applicant is resident in the jurisdiction.
(4) In the case of an application for registration as a non-resident property elector, the application must be accompanied by
(a) proof satisfactory to the person receiving the application that the applicant is entitled to register in relation to the real property referred to in subsection (1) (b), and
(b) if applicable, the written consent from the other registered owners of the real property required by section 51 (6).
56 (1) If advance registration is available for a jurisdiction except during the closed period under subsection (4), a person may register as an elector by delivering an application and accompanying documents in accordance with section 55
(a) at the local government offices during its regular office hours,
(b) at a special registration opportunity under subsection (6), or
(c) at other times and places authorized by the designated local government officer.
(2) If a bylaw under section 54 does not apply, advance registration must be available in accordance with this section.
(3) If advance registration is required, it must be available to both resident electors and non-resident property electors unless deemed registration of resident electors under section 59 is in effect.
(4) Advance registration closes 53 days before general voting day and does not reopen until the Monday after the close of general voting, subject to any extension of this closed period in relation to an election under section 142.
(5) At least 6 but not more than 30 days before the start of the closed period under subsection (4), the designated local government officer must give public notice of the close of advance registration in accordance with section 44.
(6) For the purpose of encouraging persons to register as electors,
(a) a local government may direct the designated local government officer to arrange an enumeration of the municipality or regional district, and
(b) that officer may arrange other special opportunities for persons to apply to register as electors.
(7) The designated local government officer must ensure that application forms are available from the local government offices during its regular office hours at any time when advance registration as an elector is permitted.
57 (1) A person may register as a resident elector immediately before voting by
(a) either
(i) delivering an application form in accordance with section 55 [application for registration] to the election official responsible at the place where the person is voting, or
(ii) providing to that official the information required under that section in the manner established by the chief election officer, and
(b) satisfying that official of the applicant's identity and place of residence in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (b), an individual may either
(a) produce to the election official at least 2 documents that provide evidence of the applicant's identity and place of residence, at least one of which must contain the applicant's signature, or
(b) produce to the election official at least 2 documents that provide evidence of the applicant's identity, at least one of which must contain the applicant's signature, and make a solemn declaration as to the applicant's place of residence within the meaning of section 52 [rules for determining residence].
(3) Documents accepted under subsection (2) must either be documents prescribed as acceptable under section 156 [regulations] or provide evidence satisfactory to the election official respecting the matter.
(4) The election official registering an elector under this section must note on the application the nature of the documents produced for the purposes of subsection (1) (b).
(5) The election official responsible for receiving application forms under subsection (1) is the presiding election official or another election official designated by the presiding election official.
57.1 (1) A person may register as a non-resident property elector immediately before voting by
(a) either
(i) delivering an application form in accordance with section 55 [application for registration] to the election official responsible at the place where the person is voting, or
(ii) providing to that official the information required under that section in the manner established by the chief election officer,
(b) satisfying that official of the applicant's identity in accordance with subsection (2), and
(c) providing to that official the materials described in section 55 (4).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (b), an individual must produce to the election official at least 2 documents that provide evidence of the applicant's identity, at least one of which must contain the applicant's signature.
(3) Section 57 (3) to (5) applies for the purposes of this section.
59 (1) Instead of maintaining an ongoing register of resident electors, a local government may, by bylaw, provide that the most current available Provincial list of voters prepared under the Election Act is to be the register of resident electors.
(2) A bylaw under subsection (1) must require that the Provincial list of voters becomes the register of resident electors no later than 52 days before general voting day for any election to which the bylaw applies.
(3) If a bylaw under subsection (1) applies,
(a) any previous register of resident electors of the jurisdiction is cancelled, effective at the time the Provincial list of voters becomes the register,
(b) a person who, on the basis of the Provincial list of voters, appears to meet the qualifications to be registered as a resident elector of the jurisdiction is deemed to be registered as such an elector, and
(c) the local government may have, but is not required to have, advance registration under section 56 for resident electors.
60 (1) Unless
(a) a bylaw under section 54 applies, or
(b) all or the applicable part of the register of electors is cancelled,
a person registered as an elector continues to be an elector of the jurisdiction as long as the person meets the requirements for registration.
(2) If a bylaw under section 54 applies, registration as an elector is effective only for the elections for which the voting is being conducted at that time.
61 (1) Subject to section 59, a register of electors of a jurisdiction must be maintained if advance registration is available in the jurisdiction.
(2) The designated local government officer is responsible for maintaining the register of electors.
(3) The register of electors must separately record resident electors and non-resident property electors of each jurisdiction and, for each elector, must record the name of the elector and the address or addresses of the elector required to be included on an application under section 55.
(4) For the purposes of recording the address or addresses of a resident elector under subsection (3), the register of electors may record only the residential address of the elector as required to be included on an application under section 55.
(5) For the purposes of maintaining the register of electors, the designated local government officer
(a) must add to the register persons who have registered in accordance with section 56, 57 or 57.1,
(b) may add to the register persons who meet the requirements of section 50 (1) to be registered as resident electors of the jurisdiction, as evidenced by a current Provincial list of voters under the Election Act,
(c) may add to the register persons who meet the requirements of section 50 (1) to be registered as resident electors of the jurisdiction, as evidenced by registration under section 161,
(d) despite section 60 (2), for a new register established after a bylaw under section 54 ceases to be in force, may add to the register
(i) persons whose names were included in the previous register, and
(ii) persons who registered for elections conducted in the jurisdiction while the bylaw was in force,
(e) if all or part of a register is cancelled under subsection (8) or section 59, may add to the new register persons whose names were included in the cancelled register,
(f) on evidence satisfactory to that official, may delete from the register the names of persons who have died or who are no longer qualified as electors, and
(g) on evidence satisfactory to that official, may amend the register to show correctly the information to be included in the register.
(6) A person whose name is added to the register under subsection (5) (b), (c), (d) or (e) is deemed to have registered as an elector, as recorded in the register, and section 60 (1) applies to the registration.
(7) The designated local government officer may authorize a person to assist in that officer's duties under this section and may authorize the person to exercise the officer's powers under this section.
(8) The local government or the minister may order the cancellation of an existing register of electors, or a portion of it, and direct the preparation of a new register.
62 (1) If a register of electors is required under section 61, the designated local government officer must prepare a list of registered electors of each jurisdiction to be used for the purposes of administering an election.
(2) The list of registered electors must give the names and addresses of all persons included on the register of electors at the time the list is prepared and must indicate whether a person is a resident elector or a non-resident property elector.
(3) From the 46th day before general voting day until the close of general voting, a copy of the list of registered electors as it stands at the beginning of that period must be available for public inspection at the local government offices during its regular office hours.
(4) Before inspecting the list of registered electors, a person other than a local government officer or employee acting in the course of duties must sign a statement that the person will not inspect the list or use the information included in the list except for the purposes of this Part.
(5) The designated local government officer must ensure that the statements referred to in subsection (4) are kept until after general voting day for the next general local election.
(6) At least 6 but not more than 30 days before the first day on which the list of registered electors is required to be available under subsection (3), notice must be given in accordance with section 44 [public notices] that
(a) a copy of the list of registered electors will be available for public inspection at the local government offices during its regular office hours from the date specified in the notice until the close of general voting for the election,
(b) an elector may request that personal information respecting the elector be omitted from or obscured on the list in accordance with section 63 [protection of privacy], and
(c) an objection to the registration of a person as an elector may be made in accordance with section 64 [objections] before 4 p.m. on the 36th day before general voting day.
(7) The list of registered electors must be updated to reflect the changes to the register of electors made after any objections under section 64 have been dealt with.
(8) Each person who has been nominated in accordance with section 73 is entitled, for use by the person for the purposes of the election, to
(a) one copy of the list of registered electors without charge, and
(b) on payment to the jurisdiction of the reasonable costs of reproduction, other copies as requested by the person.
(9) Before receiving a list of registered electors, a person referred to in subsection (8) must sign a statement that the person will not inspect the document or use the information in it except for the purposes of this Part.
(10) Despite section 95 (3) of the Community Charter and section 27 (7) of the Interpretation Act, a person who is entitled to inspect a copy of the list of registered electors under subsection (3) of this section is not entitled to obtain a copy of the list.
63 If requested by an elector in order to protect the privacy or security of the elector, the chief election officer must amend a list of registered electors that is to be available for public inspection, or that is to be provided under section 62 (8) [list provided to candidates], by omitting or obscuring the address of the elector or other information about the elector.
64 (1) The registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors under section 62 (3) may be objected to in accordance with this section.
(2) An objection must be received by the designated local government officer, or a person authorized for this purpose by that officer, before 4 p.m. on the 36th day before general voting day.
(3) An objection may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an elector of the jurisdiction for which the registration is questioned.
(4) An objection may only be made on the basis
(a) that the person whose name appears has died, or
(b) that, at the time of the objection, the person is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the jurisdiction.
(5) An objection must be made in writing, signed by the person making it and include the following:
(a) the name and address, as shown in the list of registered electors, of the person against whose registration the objection is made;
(b) the basis of the objection, including a statement of the facts that the objector believes support this;
(c) the name and address of the person making the objection.
(6) On receiving an objection, the designated local government officer must make a reasonable effort to notify the person against whom the objection is made of
(a) the objection,
(b) the name of the person who made the objection, and
(c) the basis on which the objection is made.
65 (1) An objection under section 64 on the basis of death must be resolved by the designated local government officer in accordance with the following:
(a) that official must have a search made of the records under the Vital Statistics Act;
(b) if a record of death is found and that official is satisfied that it applies to the person whose registration is being objected to, that official must remove the person's name from the register of electors;
(c) if a record of death is not found and that official is unable to contact the person, the official must proceed in accordance with subsection (2) (c) and (d).
(2) An objection on the basis that a person is not entitled to be registered as an elector must be resolved by the designated local government officer in accordance with the following:
(a) if, after receiving notice of the objection, the person provides proof satisfactory to that official of the person's entitlement to be registered or makes a solemn declaration as to that entitlement, the person's name is to stay on the register of electors;
(b) if, after receiving notice of the objection, the person does not provide proof of entitlement or make a solemn declaration as to entitlement, that official must remove the person's name from the register of electors;
(c) if that official is unable to contact the person, that official must require the person who made the objection to provide proof satisfactory to that official of the basis of the objection and, if this is done, must remove the name from the register of electors;
(d) if the person who made the objection does not provide satisfactory proof as required by paragraph (c), the name is to stay on the register of electors.
Division 5 — Qualifications for Office
66 (1) A person is qualified to be nominated for office, and to be elected to and hold office, as a member of a local government if at the relevant time the person meets all the following requirements:
(a) the person must be an individual who is, or who will be on general voting day for the election, age 18 or older;
(b) the person must be a Canadian citizen;
(c) the person must have been a resident of British Columbia, as determined in accordance with section 52, for at least 6 months immediately before the relevant time;
(d) the person must not be disqualified by this Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (d), the following persons are disqualified from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office as a member of a local government:
(a) a person who is a judge of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or Provincial Court;
(b) a person who is disqualified under section 67 as an employee of a local government, except as authorized under that section;
(c) a person who is prohibited from holding elected office
(i) under Division 17 of this Part as it applies to elections or voting on any other matter under this or any other Act, or
(ii) under Division (17) of Part I of the Vancouver Charter as it applies to elections or voting on any other matter under that or any other Act;
(d) a person who is disqualified under
section 92 [failure to file disclosure statement], or
section 92.4 [disqualification for false or incomplete reports];
(d.1) a person who is disqualified under Division 7 [Disqualification] of Part 4 of the Community Charter;
(d.2) a person who is disqualified under section 141 [circumstances in which a person is disqualified from Council] of the Vancouver Charter;
(e) a person who is disqualified under any other enactment.
67 (1) For the purposes of this section, "employee" means
(a) an employee or salaried officer of a municipality or regional district, or
(b) a person who is within a class of persons deemed by regulation under section 156 to be employees of a specified municipality or regional district,
but does not include a person who is within a class of persons excepted by regulation under section 156.
(2) Unless the requirements of this section are met, an employee of a municipality is disqualified from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office
(a) as a member of the council of the municipality, or
(b) as a member of the board of the regional district in which the municipality is located.
(3) Unless the requirements of this section are met, an employee of a regional district is disqualified from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office
(a) as a member of the board of the regional district, or
(b) as a member of the council of a municipality, including the City of Vancouver, that is within the regional district.
(4) Before being nominated for an office to which subsection (2) or (3) applies, the employee must give notice in writing to his or her employer of the employee's intention to consent to nomination.
(5) Once notice is given under subsection (4), the employee is entitled to and must take a leave of absence from the employee's position with the employer for a period that, at a minimum,
(a) begins on the first day of the nomination period or the date on which the notice is given, whichever is later, and
(b) ends, as applicable,
(i) if the person is not nominated before the end of the nomination period, on the day after the end of that period,
(ii) if the person withdraws as a candidate in the election, on the day after the withdrawal,
(iii) if the person is declared elected, on the day the person resigns in accordance with subsection (8) or on the last day for taking office before the person is disqualified for a failure to take the oath of office within the time specified by an enactment that applies to the person,
(iv) if the person is not declared elected and an application for judicial recount is not made, on the last day on which an application for a judicial recount may be made, or
(v) if the person is not declared elected and an application for judicial recount is made, on the date when the results of the election are determined by or following the judicial recount.
(6) If agreed by the employer, as a matter of employment contract or otherwise, the leave of absence under this section may be for a period longer than the minimum required by subsection (5).
(7) Sections 54 and 56 of the Employment Standards Act apply to a leave of absence under this section.
(8) Before making the oath of office, an employee on a leave of absence under this section who has been elected must resign from the person's position with the employer.
(9) At the option of the employee, a resignation under subsection (8) may be conditional on the person's election not being declared invalid on an application under section 143.
68 (1) At any one time a person may not hold more than one elected office in the same local government.
(2) At any one time a person may not be nominated for more than one elected office in the same local government.
(3) A current member of a local government may not be nominated for an election under section 37 for another office in the same local government unless the person resigns from office within 14 days after the day on which the chief election officer is appointed.
Division 6 — Nominations and Declaration of Election
69 (1) The period for receiving nominations begins at 9 a.m. on the 46th day before general voting day and ends at 4 p.m. on the 36th day before general voting day.
(2) If the first day of the nomination period would otherwise fall on a holiday, the nomination period begins on the next day that is not a holiday.
(3) If the last day of the nomination period would otherwise fall on a holiday, the nomination period ends on the last day before that day that is not a holiday.
70 (1) At least 6 but not more than 30 days before the nomination period begins, the chief election officer must issue a notice of nomination under this section in accordance with section 44.
(2) The notice must include the following information:
(a) the offices for which candidates are to be elected;
(b) the dates, times and places at which nominations will be received;
(c) how interested persons can obtain information on the requirements and procedures for making a nomination;
(d) any other information required to be included by regulation under section 156.
(3) The notice may include any other information the chief election officer considers appropriate.
(4) The chief election officer may provide for additional notice of the call for nominations to be given to the public.
71 (1) A nomination for office as a member of a local government must be made in accordance with section 72, separately for each candidate,
(a) by at least 2 qualified nominators of the jurisdiction for which the person is nominated, or
(b) if a bylaw under subsection (2) applies, by at least the minimum number of such persons as set by the bylaw.
(2) A local government may, by bylaw,
(a) in relation to any jurisdiction, set the minimum number of qualified nominators at 10, or
(b) in relation to a jurisdiction with a population of 5 000 or more, set the minimum number of qualified nominators at 25.
(3) In order to be qualified as a nominator, a person
(a) must be an elector of the jurisdiction for which the nomination is made, and
(b) in the case of a nomination for an office to be filled on a neighbourhood constituency basis, must also be qualified as a resident elector or non-resident property elector in relation to the area of the neighbourhood constituency.
(4) A person may subscribe as nominator to as many nomination documents as, but not more than, the number of persons who are to be elected to fill the office for which the election is being held.
(5) Even if one or more of the nominators is not qualified in accordance with this section, a nomination is valid as long as the nomination is made by at least the minimum number of qualified nominators.
72 (1) A nomination for local government office must be in written form and must include the following:
(a) the full name of the person nominated;
(b) the usual name of the person nominated, if the full name of the person is different from the name the person usually uses and the person wishes to have his or her usual name on the ballot instead;
(c) the office for which the person is nominated;
(d) if applicable, a statement that the person nominated is endorsed by an elector organization in accordance with section 79 and wishes to have the endorsement of this elector organization included on the ballot;
(e) the residential address of the person nominated, and the mailing address if this is different;
(f) the names and residential addresses of the nominators and, if a nominator is a non-resident property elector, the address of the property in relation to which the nominator is such an elector;
(g) a statement signed by the nominators that, to the best of their knowledge, the person nominated is qualified under section 66 to be nominated.
(2) A nomination must be accompanied by the following:
(a) a statement signed by the person nominated consenting to the nomination;
(b) a solemn declaration of the person nominated, either made in advance or taken by the chief election officer at the time the nomination documents are delivered,
(i) that he or she is qualified under section 66 [who may hold office] to be nominated for the office,
(ii) that, to the best of the person's knowledge, the information provided in the nomination documents is true, and
(iii) that the person fully intends to accept the office if elected;
(c) if the person nominated requests under subsection (1) (d) that endorsement by an elector organization be shown on the ballot,
(i) the solemn declaration under section 79, and
(ii) the written consent of the person nominated to the endorsement;
(d) the written disclosure required by section 2 (1) of the Financial Disclosure Act.
(3) A person must not consent to be nominated knowing that he or she is not qualified to be nominated.
(4) The chief election officer may require a person nominated to provide a telephone number at which the person may be contacted.
72.1 (1) The local government may, by bylaw, require that a nomination for mayor, councillor or electoral area director be accompanied by a nomination deposit.
(2) The amount of a required nomination deposit may be different for the different offices referred to in subsection (1), but must not be greater than $100.
(3) A nomination deposit must be held by the chief election officer to be dealt with as follows:
(a) if the person nominated is not declared to be a candidate under section 74 [declaration of candidates], the deposit is to be returned to the person or to the financial agent of the person;
(b) if the person nominated files a disclosure statement as required by section 90 or as the requirements of that section are modified by court order under section 91 [court order for relief], the deposit is to be returned to the person or the financial agent of the person;
(c) in other cases, the deposit is forfeited and is to be paid to the local government.
73 (1) In order to make a nomination,
(a) the nomination documents required by section 72, and
(b) if applicable, the nomination deposit required under section 72.1
must be received before the end of the nomination period by the chief election officer or a person designated by the chief election officer for this purpose.
(2) The obligation to ensure that the nomination documents and nomination deposit are received in accordance with this section rests with the person being nominated.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the nomination documents and nomination deposit
(a) must be received at the local government offices during its regular office hours, and
(b) may be received at other times and places as specified by the chief election officer.
(4) Nomination documents may be delivered by hand, by mail or other delivery service or by facsimile transmission with originals to follow.
(5) If the originals of nomination documents delivered by facsimile transmission are not received by the chief election officer by the end of the 29th day before general voting day, the person nominated is deemed to have withdrawn from being a candidate in the election.
(5.1) After receiving nomination documents, the chief election officer must review the list under section 92.3 [disqualification list] to determine whether an application must be made under section 75 (3.2) [challenge required if candidate or organization appears to be disqualified].
(6) Nomination documents delivered to the chief election officer
(a) must be available for public inspection in the local government offices during its regular office hours from the time of delivery until 30 days after the declaration of the election results under section 136, and
(b) if a bylaw under subsection (7) applies, must be made available to the public in accordance with the bylaw.
(7) A local government may, by bylaw, provide for public access to nomination documents, during all or part of the period referred to in subsection (6) (a), in any manner the local government considers appropriate, including by the Internet or other electronic means.
(8) A person who inspects or otherwise accesses nomination documents under this section must not use the information included in them except for the purposes of this Act.
74 (1) Immediately following the end of the nomination period, the chief election officer must declare as candidates for an elected office all persons who have been nominated for the office.
(2) If there are fewer persons declared as candidates than there are to be elected, additional nominations must be received by the chief election officer from the time of the declaration under subsection (1) up until 4 p.m. on the third day after the end of the nomination period.
(3) If reasonably possible, the chief election officer must give notice to the public of an extended time for receiving nominations under subsection (2).
(4) At the end of the time for receiving additional nominations under subsection (2), the chief election officer must declare as candidates for an elected office all additional persons who have been nominated for the office.
75 (1) A nomination may only be challenged by an application to the Provincial Court in accordance with this section.
(2) The time period during which a challenge may be made is between the time of the delivery of the nomination documents in accordance with section 73 and 4 p.m. on the fourth day after the end of the nomination period.
(3) A challenge may be made only by a person who is an elector of the jurisdiction, by another nominee or by the chief election officer.
(3.1) A challenge may only be made on one or more of the following bases:
(a) that the person is not qualified to be nominated or elected;
(b) that the nomination was not made in accordance with sections 71 to 73;
(c) that the usual name given under section 72 (1) (b) in the nomination documents is not in fact the usual name of the person;
(d) that the person is not in fact endorsed by the elector organization named in the nomination documents;
(e) that the named organization is not an elector organization within the meaning of section 79 [endorsement of candidate];
(f) that the named organization is disqualified from endorsing a candidate under
(i) section 92.1 [failing to file disclosure statement] or section 92.5 [false or incomplete reports] of this Act,
(ii) section 64.1 [failing to file disclosure statement] or section 64.4 [false or incomplete reports] of the Vancouver Charter, or
(iii) a section referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) as it applies for the purposes of another Act.
(3.2) The chief election officer must commence a challenge under this section if, on a review under section 73 (5.1) [review of disqualification list], it appears to the chief election officer that a person is disqualified from being nominated or that an organization named in the nomination documents is disqualified from endorsing a candidate.
(4) The document filed with the court to commence a challenge must briefly set out the facts on which the challenge is based and must be supported by affidavit as to those facts.
(5) At the time a challenge is commenced, a time must be set for the hearing that is adequate to allow the court to give its decision on the matter within the time limit set by subsection (7).
(6) The person making a challenge must notify affected persons by
(a) immediately notifying the chief election officer and the person whose nomination is challenged that a challenge will be heard by the court at the time set under subsection (5), and
(b) within 24 hours of filing the document commencing the application, serving on these persons that document, the accompanying affidavit and a notice of the time for the hearing.
(7) Within 72 hours of the end of the period for commencing a challenge, the court must hear and determine the matter and must issue an order, as applicable,
(a) confirming the person as a candidate or declaring that the person is no longer a candidate,
(b) declaring that the person is or is not entitled to have the usual name indicated in the nomination documents used on the ballot, or
(c) declaring that the organization named in the nomination documents is or is not entitled to have its endorsement included on the ballot.
(8) The court may order that the costs of a challenge, within the meaning of the Rules of Court for the Supreme Court, be paid in accordance with the order of the court.
(9) The decision of the court on a challenge under this section is final and may not be appealed.
76 (1) At 4 p.m. on the Monday following the last day for determining a challenge under section 75, the chief election officer must declare the election in accordance with this section.
(2) If there are more candidates for an office than there are to be elected for the office, the chief election officer must declare that an election by voting is to be held.
(3) If no more candidates for an office are nominated than there are to be elected for that office, the chief election officer must declare the candidate or candidates elected by acclamation.
77 (1) At least 6 but not more than 30 days before general voting day for an election by voting under section 76 (2) the chief election officer must issue a notice of election in accordance with section 44.
(2) The notice must include the following information:
(a) the offices for which persons are to be elected;
(b) the usual names and residential addresses of the candidates for each office;
(c) the date of general voting day, the voting places for required general voting opportunities and the voting hours for those places;
(c.1) the documents that will be required in order for a person to register as an elector at the time of voting;
(c.2) [Repealed 2008-5-8.]
(d) if applicable, information required to be included under section 36.1 (6) regarding neighbourhood constituencies or section 103 (5) regarding municipal voting divisions.
(3) The notice may also include any other information the chief election officer considers appropriate.
(4) The chief election officer may provide for additional notice of the election to be given to the public.
(5) For the purposes of including the residential address of a candidate in a notice under this section, an address that indicates the jurisdiction in which the candidate is resident is sufficient.
(6) If requested by a candidate in sufficient time to reasonably have this done, the residential address of the candidate included in a notice under this section must be limited to the jurisdiction in which the candidate is resident.
78 (1) If there are fewer candidates declared elected by acclamation under section 76 than there are to be elected, the local government must appoint a person to each vacant office,
(a) in the case of a general local election, within 30 days after the first meeting of the local government at which the persons elected in the election are holding office, and
(b) in other cases, within 30 days after the first meeting of the local government after the declaration of the election results.
(2) If a local government fails to make an appointment required by subsection (1), or if there is no quorum of the local government able to make the appointment, the minister must appoint a person to each vacant office.
(3) A person appointed under this section
(a) must be qualified under section 66 to hold the office, and
(b) must reside in the municipality, electoral area or neighbourhood constituency, as applicable, at the time of appointment.
(4) A person appointed as a member of a local government under this section or any other provision of this Act has the same rights, duties and powers as a person elected as a member.
(5) An enactment that applies to an elected member of a local government applies to a person appointed under this section in the same manner as if the person had been elected at the election in relation to which the appointment is made.
Division 7 — Candidates and Representatives
79 (1) In order for an organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, to have its endorsement of a candidate included on a ballot, the organization must
(a) have been in existence for at least 60 days immediately before the solemn declaration under subsection (3) is made, and
(b) have had throughout the period referred to in paragraph (a) a membership of at least 50 electors of the municipality or regional district for which the election is being held.
(2) An organization must indicate its endorsement by authorizing a director or other official to make the solemn declaration described in subsection (3).
(3) The solemn declaration of the official of the elector organization must include the following:
(a) a statement that, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the official, the elector organization
(i) has been in existence for at least 60 days immediately before the date on which the solemn declaration is made,
(ii) has had throughout the period referred to in subparagraph (i) a membership of at least 50 electors of the municipality or regional district for which the election is being held, and
(iii) has authorized the official to make the solemn declaration;
(b) the name of the candidate endorsed by the elector organization;
(c) the corporate name, if any, of the elector organization, the usual name of the organization and any abbreviations, acronyms and other names used by the elector organization;
(d) a statement as to which name, abbreviation or acronym referred to in paragraph (c) is the one that the elector organization wishes to have included on the ballot;
(e) the name of the director or other official responsible for the financial affairs of the elector organization;
(f) the name of the president, chair or other chief official of the elector organization and an address and telephone number at which this person can be contacted;
(g) any other matter required to be included by regulation under section 156.
(4) The name, abbreviation or acronym referred to in subsection (3) (d) must not
(a) include any matter that is prohibited by section 105 from being included on the ballot, or
(b) be, in the opinion of the chief election officer, so similar to the name, abbreviation or acronym of another elector organization whose endorsement of a candidate appeared on a ballot at the preceding general local election or a later election as to be confusing to the electors.
(5) A solemn declaration under subsection (3) may be made in relation to more than one candidate in an election, but only one elector organization endorsement may be shown on a ballot in relation to a candidate.
(6) An elector organization endorsement must not appear on a ballot if, before 4 p.m. on the 29th day before general voting day,
(a) the elector organization withdraws its endorsement by delivering to the chief election officer by that time
(i) a written withdrawal signed by a director or other official of the elector organization, and
(ii) a solemn declaration of the official signing the withdrawal that, to the best of that person's knowledge, information and belief, the elector organization has authorized the person to make the withdrawal, or
(b) the candidate withdraws the request to have the elector organization endorsement appear on the ballot by delivering a signed withdrawal to the chief election officer by that time.
80 (1) At any time up until 4 p.m. on the 29th day before general voting day, a person who has been nominated may withdraw from being a candidate in the election by delivering a signed withdrawal to the chief election officer, which must be accepted if the chief election officer is satisfied as to its authenticity.
(2) After the time referred to in subsection (1), a candidate may only withdraw by delivering a signed request to withdraw to the chief election officer and receiving the approval of the minister.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the chief election officer must notify the minister of a request to withdraw as soon as reasonably possible after receiving it.
(4) The chief election officer must notify the minister if, between the declaration of an election by voting under section 76 (2) and general voting day for the election,
(a) a candidate dies, or
(b) in the opinion of the chief election officer, a candidate is incapacitated to an extent that will prevent the candidate from holding office.
(5) On approving a withdrawal under subsection (2) or being notified under subsection (4), the minister may order
(a) that the election is to proceed, subject to any conditions specified by the minister, or
(b) that the original election is to be cancelled and that a new election is to be held in accordance with the directions of the minister.
81 (1) A candidate may appoint
(a) one individual to act as official agent of the candidate, to represent the candidate from the time of appointment until the final determination of the election or the validity of the election, as applicable, and
(b) scrutineers, to represent the candidate by observing the conduct of voting and counting proceedings for the election.
(2) An appointment as a candidate representative must
(a) be made in writing and signed by the person making the appointment,
(b) include the name and address of the person appointed, and
(c) be delivered to the chief election officer or a person designated by the chief election officer for this purpose as soon as reasonably possible after the appointment is made.
(3) An appointment as a candidate representative may only be rescinded in the same manner as the appointment was made.
(4) An appointment of an official agent may include a delegation of the authority to appoint scrutineers.
(5) If notice is to be served or otherwise given under this Part to a candidate, it is sufficient if the notice is given to the official agent of the candidate.
82 (1) A candidate representative present at a place where election proceedings are being conducted must
(a) carry a copy of the person's appointment under section 81,
(b) before beginning duties at the place, show the copy of the appointment to the presiding election official or an election official specified by the presiding election official, and
(c) show the copy of the appointment to an election official when requested to do so by the official.
(2) The presiding election official may designate one or more locations at a place where election proceedings are being conducted as locations from which candidate representatives may observe the proceedings and, if this is done, the candidate representatives must remain in those locations.
(3) The absence of a candidate representative from a place where election proceedings are being conducted does not invalidate anything done in relation to an election.
Division 8 — Campaign Financing
83 In this Division:
"campaign account" means an account for a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer that is required under section 85.1 (1);
"campaign contribution" means the amount of any money or the value of any property or services provided, by donation, advance, deposit, discount or otherwise, to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer for use in an election campaign or towards the election expenses of an election campaign, including for certainty
(a) the amount of any money provided by a candidate for the election campaign, and
(b) in relation to an election campaign of a campaign organizer who is an individual, the amount of any money provided by the individual for the election campaign;
"campaign organizer" means
(a) an organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, other than an elector organization, that undertakes, or intends to undertake, an election campaign that
(i) augments or operates in place of, or
(ii) is intended to augment or operate in place of
the election campaign of one or more candidates or of one or more elector organizations, or both, or
(b) an individual who
(i) undertakes, or intends to undertake, an election campaign referred to in paragraph (a), other than an election campaign for the individual as a candidate, and
(ii) accepts, or intends to accept, campaign contributions in relation to the campaign from any other individual or any organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated;
"disclosure statement" means a disclosure statement under section 90;
"election campaign" means an election campaign within the meaning of section 84;
"election expense" means the value of property and services used in an election campaign by or on behalf of a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer,
(a) in relation to an election that is part of a general local election, during the calendar year in which the election is held, and
(b) in relation to another election, after the date of the vacancy for which the election is being held;
"elector organization" means an elector organization that endorses or intends to endorse a candidate within the meaning of section 79;
"late filing period" means the period specified under section 90.2 (a) [30 day late filing period for disclosure statements];
"money" includes cash, a negotiable instrument and a payment by means of a credit card;
"property" means property or the use of property, as applicable;
"supplementary report" means a supplementary report under section 90.1.
84 (1) In relation to a candidate, an election campaign is a campaign for any of the following purposes in relation to an election, including such a campaign undertaken before the person is nominated or declared a candidate:
(a) to promote the election of the candidate, or to oppose the election of another candidate;
(b) to approve of a course of action advocated by the candidate, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by another candidate;
(c) to promote an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program, or to oppose an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program;
(d) to approve of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer;
(e) to promote the selection of the person to be endorsed by an elector organization, or to oppose the selection of another person for this;
(f) to promote the selection of the person to have an election campaign undertaken or augmented by a campaign organizer, or to oppose the selection of another person for this.
(2) In relation to an elector organization, an election campaign is a campaign for any of the following purposes in relation to one or more elections that are being conducted in a municipality or regional district at the same time, including such a campaign undertaken before the elector organization endorses a candidate:
(a) to promote the election of a candidate, or to oppose the election of a candidate;
(b) to approve of a course of action advocated by a candidate, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by a candidate;
(c) to promote an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program, or to oppose an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program;
(d) to approve of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer.
(3) In relation to a campaign organizer, an election campaign is a campaign for any of the following purposes in relation to one or more elections that are being conducted in a municipality or regional district at the same time:
(a) to promote the election of a candidate, or to oppose the election of a candidate;
(b) to approve of a course of action advocated by a candidate, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by a candidate;
(c) to promote an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program, or to oppose an elector organization or campaign organizer or its program;
(d) to approve of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer, or to disapprove of a course of action advocated by an elector organization or campaign organizer;
(e) to promote the selection of a person to be endorsed by an elector organization, or to oppose the selection of another person for this.
85 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a candidate must appoint one individual as financial agent, who may also be the official agent of the candidate.
(2) If a financial agent is not appointed for a candidate, the candidate is deemed to be his or her own financial agent.
(3) An elector organization must appoint one individual as financial agent.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), a campaign organizer must appoint one individual as financial agent.
(5) If a campaign organizer that is an individual does not appoint a financial agent, the individual is deemed to be his or her own financial agent.
(6) An appointment of a financial agent must
(a) be made in writing and signed by the candidate, an authorized official of the elector organization or the campaign organizer or an authorized official of the campaign organizer, as applicable, and
(b) include the name and address of the person appointed.
(7) The appointment of a financial agent must be delivered to the chief election officer, or a person designated by the chief election officer for this purpose, as follows:
(a) in the case of a financial agent for a candidate or elector organization, as soon as reasonably possible after the appointment is made or the chief election officer is appointed, whichever occurs later;
(b) in the case of a financial agent for a campaign organizer, no later than the time when the information referred to in section 85.01 (3) [information to be provided to chief election officer] is required to be provided under that section.
(8) An appointment under this section may be rescinded only in the same manner as the appointment was made.
85.01 (1) A candidate must deliver the following information to the chief election officer as soon as reasonably possible after the person is declared to be a candidate under section 74 [declaration of candidates]:
(a) the name of the financial agent of the candidate and an address and telephone number at which the financial agent can be contacted;
(b) any other information required to be included by regulation under section 156.
(2) An elector organization must deliver the following information to the chief election officer as soon as reasonably possible after it becomes an elector organization within the meaning of this Part or after the chief election officer is appointed, whichever is later:
(a) the legal name of the elector organization;
(b) the usual name of the elector organization, if this is different from its legal name, and any abbreviations, acronyms and other names used by the elector organization;
(c) the name of the financial agent of the elector organization and an address and telephone number at which the financial agent can be contacted;
(d) the name of the president, chair or other chief official of the elector organization and an address and telephone number at which that person can be contacted;
(e) the name of the director or other official responsible for the financial affairs of the elector organization;
(f) any other information required to be included by regulation under section 156.
(3) A campaign organizer must deliver to the chief election officer information respecting the campaign organizer equivalent to the information required under subsection (2) for an elector organization no later than as soon as reasonably possible after the campaign organizer
(a) has incurred election expenses greater than $500, or
(b) has received campaign contributions greater than $500,
but may deliver that information at any time after that officer is appointed.
(4) If the information delivered to the chief election officer under this section changes, the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer must deliver revised information to the chief election officer as soon as reasonably possible.
85.1 (1) The financial agent for a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer must open one or more campaign accounts at a savings institution
(a) before incurring an election expense that is expected to be paid from money available to the election campaign of the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, or
(b) as soon as practicable after the financial agent receives a campaign contribution of money,
whichever occurs first.
(2) A campaign account must be in the name of the election campaign of the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, as applicable, and must be used exclusively for the purposes of that election campaign.
(3) The financial agent must ensure that
(a) all campaign contributions of money are deposited into a campaign account for the campaign of the applicable candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, and
(b) all payments for election expenses are made from a campaign account for that campaign.
86 (1) A candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer must not accept campaign contributions or incur election expenses except through the financial agent or a person authorized by the financial agent.
(2) A person must not accept a campaign contribution that the person has reason to believe is made in contravention of this Division.
87 (1) A person or unincorporated organization must not do any of the following:
(a) make a campaign contribution to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer except by making it to the financial agent or a person authorized by the financial agent;
(b) make an anonymous campaign contribution that has a value of more than $50;
(c) make a number of anonymous campaign contributions to the same candidate for the election campaign if, in total, the campaign contributions would be equal in value to more than $50;
(d) make a number of anonymous campaign contributions to the same elector organization or campaign organizer in relation to one or more elections that are conducted at the same time in a regional district or municipality if, in total, the campaign contributions would be equal in value to more than $50;
(e) make a campaign contribution indirectly by giving the money, property or services to a person or unincorporated organization for that person or organization to make as a campaign contribution.
(2) If a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer is given an anonymous campaign contribution that exceeds the limit established by subsection (1), the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer must give the campaign contribution to the municipality or regional district for which the election is being held for the use of that municipality or regional district in the discretion of its local government.
88 (1) For the purposes of complying with the reporting requirements of this Division, a financial agent must record the following for each campaign contribution made to the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer for whom the financial agent is acting:
(a) the value of the contribution;
(b) the date on which the contribution was made;
(c) the full name and address of the contributor, unless it is an anonymous contribution;
(d) the class of the contributor as described in subsection (3);
(e) if the contributor is a numbered corporation or an unincorporated organization, the full names and addresses of at least 2 individuals
(i) who are directors of the organization, or
(ii) if there are no individual directors, who are principal officers or principal members of the organization.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to campaign contributions of services referred to in section 89 (2) [services deemed to have nil value].
(3) Contributors must be classified as follows:
(a) individuals;
(b) corporations;
(c) unincorporated organizations engaged in business or commercial activity;
(d) trade unions;
(e) non-profit organizations;
(f) other contributors.
(4) The financial agent must maintain records of election expenses sufficient to meet the requirements of this Division.
(5) The records required by this section must be retained by the financial agent, candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer until 7 years after general voting day for the election to which they relate.
89 (1) Unless otherwise provided, the value of property or services used by or provided to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer is
(a) the actual amount paid or to be paid, if this is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the property or use of the property or of the services, or
(b) the fair market value of the property or the use of the property or of the services, if no price is paid or to be paid or if the price is less than the fair market value.
(2) The value of the following services is deemed to be nil:
(a) services provided by a volunteer within the meaning of subsection (3);
(b) services provided by a financial agent to comply with the requirements of this Part;
(c) professional services provided to comply with the requirements of this Part;
(d) free election advertising space provided to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer in a periodical publication if the advertising space is made available on an equitable basis to all other candidates.
(3) A volunteer is an individual who provides services for no remuneration or material benefit, but does not include
(a) an individual who is self-employed if the services provided are normally sold or otherwise charged for by the individual, or
(b) an individual if the employer of the individual makes the services available at the employer's expense.
(4) If a person provides property or services to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer for use in an election campaign at less than the fair market value of the property or services, the person is deemed to have made a campaign contribution of the difference between the fair market value and the amount charged.
(5) If a debt owed by a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer for an election expense remains unpaid 6 months or more after becoming due, the amount due is deemed to be a campaign contribution unless the creditor has commenced legal proceedings to recover the debt.
89.1 (1) This section applies if, after the election and after the payment of a candidate's election expenses and any other reasonable expenses incidental to the candidate's election campaign, there is a balance remaining in an account referred to in section 85.1 [campaign accounts] for the candidate.
(2) If the candidate made campaign contributions in relation to his or her election campaign, the financial agent may refund the campaign contributions to the candidate, to the extent that the total balance in the accounts permits this.
(3) If, after any refund under subsection (2), the total balance in the accounts is less than $500, the financial agent may pay the balance to the candidate or in accordance with the directions of the candidate.
(4) If, after any refund under subsection (2), the total balance in the accounts is $500 or more, the financial agent of the candidate must pay the balance as soon as practicable to the municipality or regional district for which the election was held.
(5) Funds received by a municipality or regional district under subsection (4), including accumulated interest, must be held in trust by the municipality or regional district to be dealt with as follows:
(a) if the person in respect of whom they were paid is a candidate within the meaning of section 74 [declaration of candidates] in an election for the municipality or regional district in the next general local election or in a by-election called before that time, the municipality or regional district must pay the funds to the financial agent of the candidate for use in the election;
(b) if the funds are not paid out under paragraph (a), the funds cease to be trust funds and become part of the general revenue of the municipality or regional district.
90 (1) Within 120 days after general voting day for an election, the financial agent of
(a) each person who was declared to be a candidate under section 74,
(b) each elector organization, and
(c) each campaign organizer subject to the requirement under section 85.01 (3) [information to be provided to chief election officer]
must file with the designated local government officer a disclosure statement in accordance with this section.
(2) The candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer must ensure that the financial agent files a disclosure statement in accordance with this section.
(3) For certainty, a disclosure statement is required even if the candidate receives no campaign contributions, incurs no election expenses, is acclaimed, dies, withdraws from the election or is declared by a court to no longer be a candidate.
(4) A disclosure statement must include the following in relation to the election campaign of the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer:
(a) the total amount of campaign contributions;
(b) for each person or unincorporated organization who made a campaign contribution of $100 or more, the information referred to in section 88 (1) (a) to (e) [records of contributions] other than the address of an individual;
(c) for each anonymous campaign contribution that was given to the municipality or regional district under section 87 (2), the information referred to in section 88 (1) (a) and (b) [records of contributions];
(d) for contributions not referred to in paragraph (b) or (c), the total value of the campaign contributions received and the total number of contributors from whom they were received;
(e) the total amount of election expenses;
(f) the total amount of election expenses in each class prescribed by regulation under section 156;
(g) any transfers received from the municipality or regional district under section 89.1 (5) (a) [transfer of candidate's surplus election funds];
(h) any balance for a candidate as referred to in section 89.1 (1) [candidate's surplus election funds], or any equivalent deficit, on the day the report is prepared;
(i) if there was a surplus as referred to in section 89.1 (1) [candidate's surplus election funds], how that surplus was dealt with;
(i.1) the name and address of the savings institution for the accounts required under section 85.1 [campaign accounts];
(i.2) in the case of a disclosure statement for a candidate who was endorsed by an elector organization, the name of the elector organization;
(i.3) in the case of a disclosure statement for an elector organization, the names of the candidates endorsed by the elector organization;
(i.4) in the case of a disclosure statement for a campaign organizer, the names of the candidates and elector organizations in relation to which the campaign organizer undertook an election campaign;
(j) any other information required by regulation under section 156.
(4.1) The requirements of subsection (4) (i.2) and (i.3) apply even if a withdrawal under section 79 (6) [ballot showing candidate endorsement by elector organization] was made by the elector organization or by the candidate.
(5) For the purposes of this section, if a person or unincorporated organization makes more than one campaign contribution to a candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, the person or organization is deemed to have made a single campaign contribution in an amount equal to the total value of the actual campaign contributions.
(6) The disclosure statement must be accompanied by solemn declarations of the persons referred to in subsection (7) that, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the person making the declaration,
(a) the disclosure statement completely and accurately discloses the required information, and
(b) the requirements of this Division have been met in relation to the election campaign of the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, as applicable.
(7) Declarations under subsection (6) must be made by the following persons:
(a) in each case, the financial agent filing the disclosure statement;
(b) in the case of a disclosure statement for a candidate, the candidate;
(c) in the case of a disclosure statement for an elector organization, the individual identified as the chief official of the elector organization in the most recent information provided under section 85.01 [information to be provided to chief election officer];
(d) in the case of a disclosure statement for a campaign organizer, the individual identified as the chief official of the campaign organizer in the most recent information provided under section 85.01 [information to be provided to chief election officer].
90.1 (1) A supplementary report must be filed with the designated local government officer within 30 days after the financial agent, or the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer for whom a disclosure statement was filed, becomes aware that
(a) any of the information reported in the disclosure statement has changed, or
(b) the disclosure statement did not completely and accurately disclose the information required to be included in the disclosure statement.
(2) A supplementary report under this section must
(a) report the new information in accordance with the requirements of section 90 [disclosure statements], and
(b) state the circumstances that have led to the filing of the report.
(3) A supplementary report under this section must be accompanied by solemn declarations of the persons referred to in section 90 (7) that, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the person making the declaration,
(a) the report completely and accurately discloses the required information, and
(b) the requirements of this Division have been met in relation to the election campaign of the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer, as applicable.
90.2 The penalties under sections 92 [candidate disqualification for failure to file disclosure statement] and 92.1 [elector organization disqualification for failure to file disclosure statement] do not apply in the following circumstances:
(a) if the disclosure statement is filed within 30 days after the time period established by section 90 (1) [duty to file disclosure statement] and a late filing penalty of $500 is paid to the municipality or regional district;
(b) if an order under section 91 relieves the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer from the obligation to file the disclosure statement;
(c) if
(i) an order under section 91 does not relieve the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer from the obligation to file the disclosure statement but does provide other relief, and
(ii) the disclosure statement complies with the order and is filed by the end of the late filing period under paragraph (a) or the time set for filing by the order, as applicable.
91 (1) A candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer may apply to the Supreme Court in accordance with this section for relief from an obligation to file a disclosure statement or supplementary report.
(2) An application in relation to a disclosure statement must be made before the end of the late filing period, but an application in relation to a supplementary report may be made at any time.
(3) No later than 7 days after a petition commencing an application is filed in the court registry, it must be served on the municipality or regional district in relation to which the election was held.
(4) No later than 14 days after the petition is filed, the applicant must apply to have the matter set down for hearing by the Supreme Court and the date set by the court for hearing must be no later than 28 days after the petition is filed.
(5) On the hearing of an application, the court may do the following:
(a) relieve the candidate, elector organization or campaign organizer
(i) from the obligation to file the disclosure statement or supplementary report, or
(ii) from specified obligations in relation to the statement or report,
if the court considers that, in relation to the non-compliance, the financial agent and, if applicable, the candidate have acted in good faith;
(b) grant an extension of the time for filing if the court considers that, in relation to the non-compliance, the financial agent and, if applicable, the candidate have acted in good faith;
(c) make any additional order the court considers appropriate to secure compliance with this Division to the extent the court considers reasonable in the circumstances;
(d) refuse to grant an extension or other relief.
(6) If the court grants an extension under subsection (5) (b) for a disclosure statement, the order must specify whether the penalty referred to in section 90.2 (a) [late filing period] must be paid in order for the statement to be filed.
92 (1) Unless a court order under section 91 [court order for relief] relieves the candidate from the obligation to file a disclosure statement, a candidate for whom the disclosure statement is not filed before the end of the late filing period is subject to the following penalties:
(a) in the case of a candidate who is declared elected, at the applicable time under subsection (2) the council member ceases to hold office and the seat of the member becomes vacant;
(b) in all cases, from the applicable time under subsection (2) the person is disqualified from being nominated for, elected to or holding office on a local government, the council of the City of Vancouver or a board of school trustees, or as a local trustee of the Islands Trust, until after the next general local election.
(2) The time at which a candidate becomes subject to the penalties under subsection (1) is as follows:
(a) if no application under section 91 is commenced, at the end of the late filing period;
(b) if an application under section 91 is commenced but the matter is not set for hearing in accordance with section 91 (4), 15 days after the petition was filed;
(c) if, on an application under section 91, the Supreme Court refuses to grant relief from the obligation to file the disclosure statement, at the time of that decision;
(d) if, on an application under section 91, the Supreme Court grants relief but the candidate does not comply with the court order, at the end of the late filing period or at the time set for filing by the order, as applicable.
(3) If a person who is subject to subsection (2) (c) or (d) appeals the decision of the Supreme Court, the appeal does not operate to stay the penalties under this section.
(4) On the final determination of an appeal, if the court relieves the candidate from the obligation to file the disclosure statement, or grants other relief and the ca