Municipal government has a bigger impact on our everyday lives than we sometimes realize.

City Council makes decisions about things like roads and transportation, parks and recreation, water and sewer, waste collection, land use and development, business licensing, fire services, and municipal property taxes.

Council also helps shape the long-term future of Nanaimo — including how our neighbourhoods grow, where and how different kinds of housing can be built, how we invest in public spaces and infrastructure, and how we respond to changing community needs.

Municipal elections are your opportunity to choose the people who will make those decisions on your behalf for the next four years.

If you care about what Nanaimo looks like, feels like, and is like to live in, your vote matters in this election!

Election Day is October 17th!

You can advance vote on October 7th & 14th (and skip the crowds) at the Beban Park Social Centre from 8am-8pm.

If you’re voting on October 17th, Nanaimo uses a vote anywhere system, so you can choose any available location between 8am-8pm (Protection Island polls are open 10am-6pm)

Advance voter registration ended August 18th. If you haven’t already registered to vote, or if you need to change your information (for example, if you’ve moved) you can register in person at your voting location when you arrive to vote. Make sure you have 2 pieces of valid ID that prove where you live, including one that has your signature.

Examples of valid forms of ID include:

• BC Driver’s Licence
• BC Identification Card issued by ICBC
• BC Services Card
• A document issued by the Government of Canada that certifies registration under the Indian Act (e.g. Status Card)
• Citizenship or membership card issued by a First Nation or Metis Nation BC
• Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle License issued by ICBC
• BC CareCard
• Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8 (monthly report HR0081)
• Social Insurance Card
• Canadian passport or Citizenship Card
• Property tax notice issued by the City of Nanaimo
• Credit or debit card
• Utility bill (electricity, natural gas, water, telephone or cable service)
• Student card

If you are not able to provide documentation that confirms your place of residence, you may make a solemn declaration when you present two (2) pieces of documentation that confirm your identity, one of which must include your signature.

The interactive Voting Locations Map has information on voting place entry points, accessible parking stalls and other considerations to help you choose the voting location that works best for you.

• If you require a translator: You may bring a translator to help you at the voting location if you need assistance. The translator will be required to complete a declaration in order to provide assistance.
• If you require help marking your ballot: An election official or a person accompanying you may help you mark your ballot if you require assistance inside a voting location due to a disability or challenges with reading or writing. If you bring someone to assist you, they will be required to complete a declaration in order to provide assistance. 
• If you aren’t physically able to enter a voting location: A ballot can be brought out to you for curbside voting if you have difficulty entering a voting location due to a physical disability or impaired mobility. When you arrive at the voting location, you can call the contact number that will be available in the parking lot or someone accompanying you can notify the Presiding Election Official about the request for curbside voting.