Your City. Your Vote. 2026 Local Elections
Local decisions affect student life. Make sure your voice is heard.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, communities across British Columbia will head to the polls for the 2026 General Local Elections.
The VIU Students’ Union is supporting Your City. Your Vote., a student-focused municipal election education campaign developed by the BC Federation of Students to help students understand why local elections matter, and make it easier to participate.
Municipal elections don't always get the same attention as provincial or federal elections, but the decisions made at the local level can have a major impact on your everyday life.
Why should students care about local elections?
Whether it's how much housing gets built, how your neighbourhood develops, public transit, roads and sidewalks, parks and recreation, or the services available in your community, who sits on City Council matters.
For students, many of the issues we deal with every day are connected to decisions being made locally.
Can I find somewhere affordable to rent?
Can I get to campus without owning a car?
Is my neighbourhood safe and accessible to walk or bike through?
Will there be enough housing as our communities grow?
Can I afford to stay in this community after I graduate?
The people elected this October will help make decisions about these issues for the next four years.
So before you vote, take some time to learn who's running and what they stand for.
Who's running where you live?
VIU students live throughout Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, which means there isn't one municipal ballot for everyone.
We've pulled together candidate information for some of the communities where VIU students live.
Nanaimo & Oceanside
Nanaimo
View Nanaimo candidates
Lantzville
View Lantzville candidates
Parksville
View Parksville candidates
Qualicum Beach
View Qualicum Beach candidates
Cowichan Region
Duncan
View Duncan candidates
North Cowichan
View North Cowichan candidates
Ladysmith
View Ladysmith candidates
Lake Cowichan
View Lake Cowichan candidates
qathet / Powell River
City of Powell River
View Powell River candidates
Live somewhere else?
These aren't the only communities where VIU students live.
You can also use Elections BC's local election resources to find information for communities across the province.
Find 2026 Local Election Candidates
What should I look for in a candidate?
You don't need to be an expert on municipal politics to make an informed vote.
Start by looking at who's running in your community and what they're saying about the issues that affect your life.
Housing: What will they do about rental availability, housing supply, density and affordability?
Transit: Do they support better and more frequent public transit?
Transportation: What are their priorities for roads, sidewalks, cycling and pedestrian safety?
Climate: How will they approach climate action, land use and sustainable community planning?
Students and young people: Are they working to make your community somewhere students and young people can afford to live, work and stay after graduation?
Check candidate websites and social media, follow local news coverage, attend an all-candidates meeting, and don't be afraid to ask candidates directly about the issues that matter to you.
Make a plan to vote. 🗳️
General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Don't wait until Election Day to figure out how you're going to vote. Voting locations, advance voting opportunities and registration procedures can vary by community.
Step 1: Make sure you're eligible and registered
Confirm you're registered to vote or find out how to register through your municipality if needed.
If you've recently moved for school, it's especially important to check which local government you're eligible to vote in.
Step 2: Find out where you can vote
Find your local voting information and polling location before Election Day.
Many communities also offer advance voting, so you may be able to cast your ballot before October 17.
Step 3: Bring your ID and vote!
When you go to vote, make sure you bring the identification required by your local government.
Generally, voters should be prepared to provide two pieces of identification that together establish their identity and place of residence, with at least one containing their signature. Your valid Student ID card can be used as a second piece.
Then cast your ballot. That's it.
Students live here, too.
We rent here. Work here. Take transit here. Drive these roads. Use these parks. Shop at local businesses. And build our lives here.
Students deserve a voice in the decisions that shape our communities.
Municipal elections are an opportunity to decide who will make decisions about housing, transportation, development, public spaces and the future of the communities we call home.
Learn who's running. Learn where they stand. Make a plan to vote.
