Election Rules & Regulations
Voting Day Rules
The General Local Election is regulated by the Community Charter, the Local Government Act and the Village of Pemberton Election and Assent Voting Bylaw NO. 925, 2022. Some key rules to follow on voting days:
- Voting is by a secret ballot. Displaying your ballot or discussing your vote or another person's votes is prohibited.
- Only one person is permitted in a voting booth at a time.
- Campaigning is prohibited within 100 metres of the Community Centre. Signs, buttons, flyers, and any attempt to influence voters is a violation of the rules.
- Only eligible electors are permitted in the voting place and they must leave immediately after voting.
- Vote buying and intimidation are prohibited.
- Signing a false statement is an offense.
- Radio and newspaper campaign ads are prohibited on general voting day.
Election offences can result in a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison.
Campaign Financing Rules
The rules have changed regarding campaign financing and supporting a candidate. New legislation, Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, requires people or organizations seeking to affect the outcome of the municipal election by organizing a campaign to be known as "campaign organizers", and places the same requirements for financial reporting on those individuals or groups as it does on candidates or elector organizations. For more information see Elections BC Guides for candidates, third party sponsors and elector organizations.
Guide to Elector Organization Registration
Candidate campaign expense limits
Third party advertising sponsor expense limits
For answers to questions about election advertising, third party sponsors and campaign financing please contact Elections BC toll free by phone at 1.800.661.8683 or by email at electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca.
Please review these publications to ensure that you do not inadvertently commit any election offences:
- What Every Candidate Needs to Know
- Local Elections Candidates Information Session by Elections BC
- Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in BC
- Guide for Local Elections Third Party Sponsors in B.C.
- Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. for Candidates and their Financial Agents
- Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. for Elector Organizations and their Financial Agents