How to vote in a BC provincial election
Who can vote, how to register, what ID to bring and the ways to vote, summarised from Elections BC. No BC election has been called yet, so dates depend on when one is; rules below are Elections BC's current published rules.
Who can vote
To vote in a BC provincial election you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and a BC resident for at least six months (Elections BC).
Register to vote
Check or update your registration online at Elections BC online voter registration, or phone Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683.
What ID do I need?
Elections BC accepts any one of three approaches (full rules):
- One document showing your name, photo and address: for example a BC driver’s licence, BC Identification Card, or BC Services Card with photo.
- Two documents showing your name, with at least one showing your current address: for example a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, bank statement or lease. Electronic versions such as e-bills are acceptable.
- Voter vouching: a registered voter or approved authority can vouch for your identity, with the required declarations.
Ways to vote
- Final Voting Day: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time.
- Advance voting: six days, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, open to all eligible voters.
- Vote by mail: available to all voters; the package must reach Elections BC before 8 p.m. Pacific time on Final Voting Day.
- District electoral office: from when an election is called until 4 p.m. on Final Voting Day.
- Assisted telephone voting and mobile or special voting (hospitals, long-term care) for those who qualify.
Source: Elections BC — Ways to vote. Possible Fall 2026 dates are on the BC election 2026 guide.
Voting FAQ
Who can vote in a BC provincial election?
You must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of BC for at least six months (Elections BC).
Do I need ID to vote in BC?
Yes. You show one document with your name, photo and address, or two documents with your name (at least one with your current address), or have someone vouch for you. See the full list at Elections BC voter ID.
Can I vote by mail in BC?
Yes. Elections BC says vote by mail is available to all voters. The package must reach Elections BC before 8 p.m. Pacific time on Final Voting Day (ways to vote).
Can I vote before voting day in BC?
Yes. Elections BC provides six days of advance voting (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time), and you can vote at any district electoral office from the day an election is called until 4 p.m. on Final Voting Day (ways to vote).
What are the voting hours on Final Voting Day?
Voting places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Final Voting Day, according to Elections BC.