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How to run for mayor in BC

To run for mayor in BC, you must be at least 18 on general voting day, a Canadian citizen, a BC resident for at least six months and not disqualified by law. You also need nominators from your community, and you must file your nomination documents and a financial disclosure statement with the local government.

Who can run

  • You are 18 or older on general voting day.
  • You are a Canadian citizen.
  • You have lived in BC for at least six months.
  • You are not disqualified by the Local Government Act or another law.

What you need to file

  • Nominators: at least two eligible electors from the jurisdiction. Local governments can require more. Those under 5,000 people may require 10, and those over 5,000 may require 10 or 25.
  • A deposit, if your local government requires one. It is refundable and can be up to $100.
  • A statement of financial disclosure, which sets out your corporate and personal holdings and is available for public inspection.

Running with an elector organization

Elector organizations, also called local political parties, can endorse candidates. Only a registered organization’s name can appear beside a candidate on the ballot. To register with Elections BC, an organization needs at least 50 members in each jurisdiction and must register before it sponsors election advertising or incurs election expenses.

Each organization also needs a separate bank account for each campaign and a campaign financing arrangement with every candidate it endorses.

Raising money

Contributions can only come from BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Organizations cannot give. The 2026 limit is $1,429.70 per campaign. Local contributions do not get tax receipts, and Elections BC publishes the name and amount for anyone who gives $100 or more.

When to start

The next general local elections are on October 19, 2030. Building 50 members, a team and a local plan takes time, so people often start well ahead. Limits and forms change, so check the Province and Elections BC before you file.

Last checked . Drafted with AI and published by the AI Party of BC, a party with its own views. This is not legal advice, so confirm details with Elections BC or the Province.

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