Voter Information

On February 3, 2024, New Westminster voters will elect one (1) School Trustee.

The Position is held for the balance of a four-year term ending November 2026.

Why should I vote?

Voting in local government elections is one of the most important things you can do to help shape your community. The people you elect for your local government make decisions that directly affect your everyday life. Some of the decisions they make include:

• Services at libraries and community centres
• Police and fire services that support public safety
• Education services for public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12
• The types of buildings and homes in your community
• Sidewalks and roads you walk, cycle, wheel and drive on
• Parks where you enjoy nature, relax and play
• Water and sewers that serve your home

Am I eligible to vote?

If you live in New Westminster, you can vote if you are:

• 18 years or older on voting day
• A Canadian Citizen
• A resident of British Columbia for at least six months before the day you vote
• Not disqualified from voting by any statute or law

If you don’t live in New Westminster but you own property in the city, you may be eligible to vote as a Non-Resident Property Elector (NRPE). Please visit newwestcity.ca/elections for more information regarding voting as a non-resident property elector.

NEW WESTMINSTER RESIDENTS

How do I Register to Vote?

The City of New Westminster uses the Provincial Voters list from Elections BC, which includes registered voters as of November 15, 2023.

If you are on the list, you should receive a personalized voter information card in the mail in mid-January, 2024. The card includes all voting locations in New Westminster.

If you are not on the Voters list or didn't receive a voter information card, you can register in person on any advance voting day or on General Voting day.

To register to vote when you visit a voting locations you need to bring two pieces of identification that show who you are and where you live. One of these documents must include your signature. See below for examples of accepted ID.

*The combined BC Driver's Licence and CareCard is considered one piece of ID.

I only have one piece of identification. Can I still register to vote?

Yes, you can swear a Declaration of Elector Identity and Place of Residence in front of a Presiding Election Official at a polling station. The declaration will become your second piece of identification.

I don't have a fixed address. Can I still vote?

Yes, you can register and vote using the address of a local shelter or social agency you go to. Please request an official letter from the agency or shelter. This letter will serve as one piece of your identification required for registration. The other piece of identification should have your name and signature on it, or you can make a solemn declaration of your identity at the polling station.

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS

If you own property in New Westminster or are the registered owner of a property by January 3, 2024, you may be eligible to vote. 

To qualify as a Non-Resident Property Elector (NRPE), you must be:

• 18 years of age older on general voting day for the election; and
• a Canadian citizen; and
• a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and
• NOT a resident of New Westminster;
• a registered owner of real property in New Westminster for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and
• registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, and individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust; and
• not entitled to register as a resident elector; and
• not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law; and
• if there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector.

To register as an NRPE, please contact the Deputy Chief Elections Officer at 604-999-4832 or by email at elections@newwestcity.ca.

Remember to include proof that you own the property, such as a copy of a land title certificate, or property tax or assessment notice.

Five Easy Steps to Voting!

1.         Have your voter card and ID ready. If you require assistance voting, you can bring someone with you or ask for help at the polling station.

2.         When you enter the polling station, you'll be greeted and directed to the first available election staff member.

3.         The election staff member will verify your identity, then you will sign a solemn declaration to confirm that you are eligible to vote. You'll receive a ballot.

4.         Go to the private voting booth and mark your choices by filling in the oval next to the candidates' names. Do not make any other marks on the ballot.

5.         When your ballot is complete, go to the voting machine and insert your ballot. An attendant will be there to help you insert it correctly.

You select only the one candidate you wish to elect to the position of School Trustee.

If you vote for too many candidates by mistake, the vote counting machine will return your ballot, and you will be offered an opportunity to complete a new ballot if you are present in the voting location.

Can I get help to vote?

If you need help to mark your ballot or need help with translation, ask for the Presiding Election Official in charge at the polling station.

You can choose to:

• Have the Presiding Election Official help you mark your ballot. All election officials must take an oath to keep ballots secret.
• Bring someone you know to the polling station to help you. This person will have to take an oath of secrecy (given by the Presiding Election Official).
• Request curbside voting at the polling station.